Health officials prevent illnesses from food

Lorain County Public Health is preventing people from getting sick or injured — now and in the future, according to a news release.

This includes preventing food poisoning when you go out to eat.

In fact, the health department educates and inspects every place in Lorain County that sells food … including more than 1,400 restaurants, grocery stores, food trucks and even vending machines, according to the release.

Visit LorainCountyHealth. com/foodsafety to see inspection reports.

“Our food inspectors work closely with restaurants and other places that sell food in Lorain County,” said Dave Covell, Lorain County Public Health commissioner. “They make sure that the vendors follow Ohio food laws.

“They also educate vendors on the science behind the laws so they understand how they’re protecting customers from getting sick.”

Lorain County Public Health food inspectors also:

• Provide handwashing signs for vendors to hang in their bathrooms and near kitchen sinks.

• Encourage vendors to donate leftover foods to Lorain County food pantries through the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act.

• Provide food safety training for food servers and managers.

The health department reminds residents that food safety also matters at home, at tailgating events and at game day parties.

It urges residents to follow food safety tips to keep yourself and guests safe from food poisoning:

• Keep hot foods at 135°F or warmer. Use chafing dishes, slow cookers and warming trays to keep food hot.

• Keep cold foods, like salsa and guacamole, at 40°F or colder. Use small service trays or nest serving dishes in bowls of ice.

• Put cooked food and leftovers in a refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible — always within two hours of preparing, or one hour if the food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F (like a hot car or tailgate party).