February 8, 2022

Covid numbers are on the decline and people are beginning to gather for parties and events.  Proper and safe preparation of food is important for people’s health.  In 2016, fifty-one people suffered an outbreak of Salmonella.  The FDA estimates that about 48 million cases of foodborne illness happen every year.  Mild cases are often not reported.  

As part of a recent homemaker’s meeting, I conducted a lesson on proper food preparation and handling using a lesson on charcuterie boards.  Twelve people participated in the class.  One hundred percent of the class demonstrated safe hand washing practices.   Eight of the participants learned safe ways to store cheese.  One hundred percent of the participants learned the difference between cheese that was pre-shredded, and cheese shredded at home.  One hundred percent of the participants learned about cross contamination.   Participants also learned that food should not be un-refrigerated for longer than two hours.

The participants were all white.  Eleven of the participants were female and one was male.  Two of the participants were 0-18, two were 19-34, and eight were 45-54.

One participant stated that she will be able to cut waste by freezing her cheese.