September is food safety month and with the recent hurricanes, what better time to educate people on the importance of food safety and how it not only affects the food serving industry but every single household in America. The USDA is giving food safety tips on its website on how to protect your food and water during Hurricanes and other storms.

Prepare for unpredictable weather emergencies. Have these supplies on hand:

  • Thermometers in the freezer and refrigerator.
  • Bottled water.
  • Nonperishable food high on shelves, in case of flood.
  • Manual can opener.
  • Bleach for disinfecting.

Keep food at recommended temperatures. Keep in mind that perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, and eggs not kept at recommended temperatures can make you sick—even if thoroughly cooked.


How to sanitize cans of food:

  1. Remove labels from cans, which can harbor dirt and germs, wash the cans, and dip them in a solution of 1 cup (8 oz/250 mL) of unscented household (5.25% concentration) bleach in 5 gallons of water.
  2. Allow the cans to air dry.
  3. Re-label the cans with a marker. Include the expiration date.

How to sanitize containers, countertops, pots, pans, dishware and utensils:

  1. Thoroughly wash, rinse, and sanitize anything that may come in contact with food — for example, pans, dishes, utensils, and countertops. Throw away wooden cutting boards or bowls — these cannot be safely sanitized.
  2. Mix 1 tablespoon unscented household (5.25% concentration) liquid bleach with 1 gallon of water.
  3. Soak item in the solution for 15 minutes.
  4. Allow to air dry.

How to make tap water safe to drink:

After a natural disaster, water may not be safe to drink. Area Health Departments will determine whether the tap water can be used for drinking. If the water is not potable or is questionable, then follow these directions:

  1. Use bottled water that has not been exposed to flood waters if it is available.
  2. If you don’t have bottled water, you should boil water to make it safe. Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for boiling. Boil the water for one minute, let it cool, and store it in clean containers with covers.
  3. If you can’t boil water, you can disinfect it using household bleach. Bleach will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms that may be in the water. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water for disinfection. Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of unscented household (5.25% concentration) liquid bleach for each gallon of water, stir it well and let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it. Store disinfected water in clean containers with covers.
  • If water supply is still unsafe, boil water or use bottled water.

When in doubt, throw it out.

The last statement is truly one that I always abide by. I always think….,”How much was this chicken? Is saving 6 bucks and taking the chance of making my family sick worth it?” …every time no. We recently spoke with a client who was affected by Harvey and they had to throw away thousands and thousands worth of food that was spoiled due to power loss during the Hurricane. They were lucky enough to have only had to throw out the food, however, this just goes to show you the importance of food safety is never worth compromising your family or your brand.

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