Public Health Office warns of food poisoning during summer

[lee]

Dr. Sanchai Piyapongkul, the Public Health officer of Udon Thani province, says the Public Health Office has warned public members of food poisoning. He says there are risks that food items may not be sanitary, especially during the summer season.

Since March 1st, 2007, 843 patients have been admitted to hospitals in Udon Thani as they have consumed unsanitary foods. Dr. Sanchai says the rate tends to increase during the hot season. He says people usually celebrate and eat unsanitary foods during the Songkran holidays. He says symptoms of food poisoning include stomach ache, nausea, diarrhea, and dehydration.

Dr. Sanchai has warned people to know ways to protect themselves from food poisoning. He has advised them to eat newly cooked foods, avoid tangy food items, keep foods in proper containers, and wash their ahnds before eating. In addition, he says people with diarrhea should drink glucose beverages. However, if their health have not improved, they should visit their nearby hospitals immediately.

[arjay]

As this topic has popped up, any advice on how long you would keep meat frozen in a freezer, - the freezer compartment of a separate 2 door fridge/freezer?

It's fairly new, a reputable make, and is set on medium settings, but has no star markings, as would be the case in Europe. My thoughts are up to 3 months should be Ok, subject to there having been no extended power cuts along the way and the meat having been frozen fairly soon after initial purchase.

In Europe I believe 6 months would be acceptable, but am a little more sceptical/cautious here in LOS, where general temperatures are much higher.

[Doc]

I have a similar fridge - and feel perfectly safe keeping meat in it for prolonged periods of time. I would say - if it has good seals and is a "frost free" model, you could safely leave it in for 6 months.