During the spring season be prepared for heavy rains and the possibility for flooding. In the Illinois Valley, we have seen our share of flooding this year. University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator, Susan Glassman offers flood resources for food safety that are available on their website at  https://extension.illinois.edu/blmp. 

Floodwaters may carry silt, raw sewage, oil or chemical wastes. Filth and disease-causing bacteria in floodwater will contaminate food, making it unsafe to eat. Glassman commented “be aware of what you can keep and what has to be thrown out with flood contaminated foods.”  It's important to take the proper precautions to prevent illness from unsafe food. What’s considered unsafe?  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention shares guidelines on their website for after a disaster, The recommend to throw out food that may have come in contact with flood or stormwater; perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; and those with an unusual odor, color, or texture. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. Remember, “when in doubt, throw it out.”

According to FoodSafety.gov, after a flood, Glassman noted “do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood or stormwater.” Throw away and salvage with the following guidelines:

• Food with an unusual odor, color, or texture.
• Food in packages that are not waterproof.
• Food in cardboard containers, including juice/milk/baby formula boxes.
• Food containers with screwcaps, snap-lids, crimped caps, twist caps, flip tops, and snap tops.
• Home-canned foods because they cannot be disinfected.
• Canned foods or food containers that are bulging, opened or damaged. Throw out cans or food containers that spurt liquid or foam when you open them or contain food that is discolored, moldy, or smells bad.
• Remember, when it doubt, throw it out!

Commercially prepared foods in cans, plastic or metal pouches (like flexible, shelf-stable juice package can be salvaged:

1. Remove labels if possible. Note the expiration date.
2. Brush or wipe away dirt or silt.
3. Wash cans and pouches with hot, soapy water.
4. Rinse cans and pouches with clean, safe water.
5. Sanitize cans and pouches in one of two ways:
   1. Place them in a solution of 1 cup (8 oz/240 mL) of unscented household bleach in 5 gallons of water for 15 minutes, OR
   2. Put in a pot of water, bring to a boil and continue boiling for 2 minutes.
6. Re-label cans or pouches with a marker. Include the expiration date.
7. Use food in cans or pouches as soon as possible.

Take proper care to be safe and eat safe food, Coma alimentosseguros. For more information, access flooding resources at University of Illinois website at https://extension.illinois.edu/blmp

Source: Susan Glassman, Extension Educator, University of Illinois Extension
About Extension: Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry, and Oglesby on the IVCC campus. The Mission of University of Illinois Extension is to provide practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.