SAFEGUARDING YOUR FOOD

Every year, an estimated 7 million Americans suffer from cases of foodborne illness. Some cases are violent and even result in death. Of course this is commonly known as "food poisoning." The culprit is food that has dangerously high levels of bacteria due to improper cooking or handling.

Food safety is usually taken for granted by the buying public but everyone's attention was recently directed to food poisoning involving some meat that was undercooked. It was determined that the problem never would have happened if the meat had been cooked properly. E.Coli 0157.H7 is a potent virus, but it can be completely destroyed when the meat is fully cooked.

It is important for consumers to take an all-around safety approach to purchasing, storing and preparing both traditional and new meat and poultry products. Ultimately, consumers and food handlers bear the responsibility for keeping food safe once it leaves the store.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 85 percent of foodborne illness cases could be avoided each year if consumers would handle food properly. The most common foodborne illnesses are caused by a combination of bacteria, naturally present in the environment, and food handling mistakes. Ironically, these are also the easiest types of foodborne illnesses to prevent. Proper cooking or processing of raw meat and poultry kills bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.

When you're out, grocery shop last, take food straight home to the refrigerator. And never leave food in a hot car! Don't buy anything you won't use before the use-by date. Don't buy food in poor condition. Make sure refrigerated food is cold to the touch. Frozen food should be rock-solid. Canned goods should be free of dents, cracks or bulging lids which can indicate a serious food poisoning threat.

The performance and maintenance of your refrigerator is of the utmost importance. Check the temperature of your refrigerator with an appliance thermometer. To keep bacteria in check, the refrigerator should run at 40 degrees F; the freezer unit at 0 degrees F. Generally, keep your refrigerator as cold as possible without freezing your milk or lettuce. When you prepare food, keep everything clean and thaw out any frozen food you plan to prepare in your refrigerator. Take it out of the freezer in advance and place it in the refrigerated section of your refrigerator. Always wash your hands in hot soapy water be_fore preparing and handling any food as well as after you use the bathroom, change diapers, handle pets, etc. Remember, too, that bacteria can live in your kitchen towels, sponges and dish cloths. Wash them often and replace the dish cloths and sponges you use regularly every few weeks.

Be absolutely sure that you keep all raw meats, poultry and fish and their juices away from other food. For instance, wash your hands, your cutting board and knife in hot soapy water after cutting up the chicken and before dicing salad ingredients. It is best to use plastic cutting boards rather than wooden ones where bacteria can hide in grooves. Don't take your food out of the freezer and leave it on the kitchen counter to thaw. This is extremely dangerous since the bacteria can grow in the outer layers of the food before the inside thaws. It is wise to do your marinating in the refrigerator too.

Eating out

For those in the Rogue Valley Oregon that would like a good meal at affordable prices be sure to visit The Hungry Woodsman located in the same shopping center as Food 4 Less. You can't miss it and they have supreme food.

Been a while and yet...

It has been some time now since my last post and I would like to introduce Katy Baehr who is going to help me with the writing of the reviews about the fine eating establishments in and around the Rogue Valley. Here is what Katy has to say about this first review.

LING’S CHINESE RESTAURANT in White City, Oregon:

Located nearly on the North West corner of Antelope and Hwy 62 (behind Carousel Flowers and Gifts) Ling’s has been known to locals for a number of years and is very easy to find.

On our first visit we were pleased to feel immediately comfortable in the familiar family dining setting. We were seated quickly by very pleasant wait staff with menus, water and the offer of a choice of drinks.

1st visit: The pork chow mien was bland, but good and plentiful.

2nd visit: The mar far chicken was very good as was the pork fried rice.

The portions were large, prices reasonable and the service friendly and very low-key. We have enjoyed both visits and will return. We’ll keep you posted.


Katy Baehr

P.S. I totally agree with Katy's assesment. You've got to try this eating establishment if you want good food and good service.

Thom

Truck Stop

A great place to eat is at Whithams in Medford on Biddle Road. You need to go hungry though because they really pile on the food. I give them 4 stars for the food and 4 stars for the service
Be sure to stop by there and tell them that you read about them on the internet.

Eagle Point Dining

I can highly recommend The Barbwire Grill which is located in downtown Eagle Point. The food is well prepared, & the service is excellent. They only serve breakfast and lunch.

Welcome One & All

This site is dedicated to writing open reviews about dining in Rogue Valley Oregon. I do not get paid so these reviews are open & honest. I will be asking others about their dining experiences as well and posting their comments.