CAUTION URGED IN USING FOODS AFFECTED BY FLOODS

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 7, 1993                   TAG: 9304070118
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Virginia Cooperative Extension
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
CAUTION URGED IN USING FOODS AFFECTED BY FLOODS
Because flood waters may carry silt, raw sewage, oil or chemical waste, says Virginia Cooperative Extension foods and nutrition specialist Ann Hertzler, it's important to know what flood-washed foods should be tossed and which ones can be saved.
The extension office has issued these guidelines for dealing with flooded foods.
Discard flooded meat, poultry, fish, eggs, fresh produce, preserves sealed with paraffin, unopened jars with waxed cardboard seals such as mayonnaise and salad dressing, all food in cardboard boxes, paper, foil, cellophane or cloth, spices, seasonings and extracts, home canned food, opened containers and packages, flour, sugar, grain, coffee and other staples in canisters, any any dented, leaking, bulging or rusted cans.
Also toss wooden spoons, plastic utensils and baby bottle nipples and pacifiers affected by a flood.
Undamaged canned goods and commercial glass jars of food are safe once sanitized. Because a paper label can harbor dangerous bacteria, remove it and write the can or jar's contents on the lid in indelible ink.
Wash the jars or cans in a strong detergent solution and scrub with a brush. Finally, immerse the containers for 15 minutes in a solution of two teaspoons chlorine bleach per quart of room temperature water. Air dry before opening.
Dishes and glassware should be sanitized, too. To disinfect metal pans and utensils, boil them in water for 10 minutes.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB