1. Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Food safety for older adults July 2011

2. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. July 2011Food safety for older adults Why worry? Foodborne illness can strike anyone But it is especially dangerous for older adults:  may have other medical problems  are less able to tolerate fluid loss from diarrhea, vomiting, fever  immune system may not function as well –due to illness or medications  lower stomach acid in older adults allows bacteria to survive

3. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. July 2011Food safety for older adults What happens when food is contaminated? Contaminated food contains: 1.disease-causing microorganisms 2.toxins produced by these germs 3.or both

4. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. July 2011Food safety for older adults Common sources of contamination  Hands of food packer or preparer  Dirty food prep surfaces  Food not washed well  Food not well cooked  Food not kept at proper serving temperature –Bacteria may grow and/or release toxins –

5. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. July 2011Food safety for older adults Common symptoms of foodborne illness  Nausea  Vomiting  Diarrhea  Fever

6. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. July 2011Food safety for older adults When do symptoms generally begin?  Within hours –Salmonella, clostridium  Within 1 or 2 days –Norovirus  Within 1 week –E. coli (a few days to a week)  Within 2 to 3 weeks –Listeria

7. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. July 2011Food safety for older adults Preventing foodborne illness  Good hand washing before prepping or serving food  Good hand washing before eating –Assist residents who need help  Store food at proper temperatures  Date all food in the refrigerator  Throw away food after 3 days or if it does not look fresh  Follow facility guidelines for serving food to residents

8. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. July 2011Food safety for older adults Did you know?  Wash all fruits & vegetables before eating –Even those with rinds or skins that are peeled –Bacteria on the skins can contaminate the fruit with handling  Wash the top of jars or canned food before opening –Bacteria, dust, and debris can enter food when opening the can  Some bacteria (such as listeria in hot dogs, deli meats) can grow in cold conditions –Check the temperature of the refrigerator — it should be at or below 40°F

9. Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. July 2011Food safety for older adults CNA’s best ally against foodborne illness  HAND WASHING! –Before touching food when prepping, serving, eating –Lather hands for 20 seconds, then rinse –Time yourself by saying the alphabet slowly — it takes about 20 seconds Your efforts will help to keep you and the residents safe and healthy!