IL Health officials mark National Food Safety Education Month

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — September is National Food Safety Education Month, and the Illinois Department of Public Health wants you to minimize the chances of foodborne illness.

“Fall in Illinois is synonymous with food and football,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. “As Labor Day approaches, marking the unofficial end of summer, IDPH is commemorating Food Education Safety Month this September and encouraging our residents to follow simple rules for handling and preparing food to ensure safety and prevent illness.”

Health officials said foodborne illnesses are preventable when you follow the clean, separate, cook, and chill guidelines.

To avoid illnesses:

• Make sure everything touching food is clean, including hands, surfaces, cutting boards, utensils, and coolers.
• Don’t cross-contaminate.
• Make sure cooked food is reheated to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
• Refrigerate food promptly.

Officials also recommend hosts check with guests to see if they have any food allergies before sharing meals.

More information on food safety can be found on IDPH’s website

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