Health Watch is a public service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

We know that diets high in fat can increase your risk for heart disease, but there are other ways food can make you sick. When food isn't properly stored, cleaned and cooked, it can cause serious illness. This week on Health Watch, we'll talk about food-borne illness and how to prevent it.

Nutrition experts at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say hot weather is prime season for food spoilage because the warmth provides the right environment for bacteria to grow faster. Lona Sandon, a UT Southwestern dietitian, says that foods such as dairy, cold cuts and raw meat shouldn't be left out in temperatures in the 80s or higher for more than an hour.

Always wash your hands before eating, especially if you've been working with raw meats to prepare the meal. If water isn't available, use wipes or sanitizing gel.

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July 2006

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