Discussion on foodborne pathogens and food safety tips when entertaining.
0:26
The discussion starts with the introduction of food safety and Listeria experts, Dr. Bob Bortolussi and Bonnie Lacroix. Dr. Bortolussi is a Professor of Pediatrics and Micro Biology at Dalhousie University and a Pediatric Infectious Disease Consultant at the IWK Health Center in Halifax. Bonnie Lacroix is a registered dietician and professional home economist with a PH.D. in consumer food safety from the University of Guelph.
0:49
To introduce the topic of Listeria and Listeriosis, Dr. Bortolussi’s recent article entitled "Listeriosis a Primer", which can be found in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, is mentioned.
1:07
The question “what is Listeria?” starts the discussion.
1:09
There are six types, one of which is most important among humans is Listeria monocytogenes. In fact, most people are likely to ingest it on average 5-10 times a year.
2:06
Dr. Bortolussi defines Listeriosis, a rare disease within Canada that affects about one in a million people.
2:46
Dr. Bortolussi explains there are three groups of people who are most likely to be affected by Listeriosis – Pregnant women including infants (newborns), the immuno-compromised such as people who are undergoing Chemotherapy or those who are living with the AIDS virus and older adults, typically 60-plus years.
3:24
Are children are at risk? Dr. Bortolussi, a pediatrician, explains that children are probably one of the lowest risk groups for Listeriosis.
4:00
Dr. Bortolussi explains that Listeria is quite common in our environment. Most of the time we don’t even know we have had it.
4:53
Should Canadians have food safety plans at home? Bonnie explains that plans do not necessarily have to be formalized, just stick to the basics like washing your hands. Although, washing your hands requires certain necessary steps to fight bacteria.
6:02
Bonnie is an advocate of hot and cold foods. Avoid the “danger zone” between these two stages by keeping hot food hot and cold food cold. Bonnie offers some tips for ensuring your food stays safe.
6:50
Keeping food safe when entertaining is not always an easy task, but Bonnie has some tips. Bonnie suggests that people use crock pots and warmers for keeping hot food hot. For cold foods use crushed ice under the food. For dips and sauces remember to replace and not replenish. Replacing these items can help ensure freshness and food safety.
8:15
Use gel packs in order to control the temperature of sandwiches made from deli meat if it is a long time between packing the lunch and lunchtime.
9:11
Bonnie explains that best before dates are about food quality and they do not really relate to food safety here in Canada.
9:31
Bonnie also wants us to consider buying deli meats in small quantities to ensure they stay fresh and safe.
9:46
The discussion is concluded with a reminder to listeners to visit this website for more information on food safety.
Our commitment is to always provide consumers with safe, great tasting food products.
Our experts are ready to answer your food safety questions.
Test your food safety savvy? Learn more on how to keep you and your family safe (PDF).
Our commitment is to always provide consumers with safe, great tasting food products.
