▣ H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) - Food Contamination

posted by Sandra on May 5th, 2009 at 1:09 PM

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What is your current concern in lieu of the recent outbreak of the H1N1 Flu Virus infection (Swine Flu)?

 

This is my concern this week Food Contamination and H1N1 Flu:

After a recent visit to our local McDonald’s DAVISON/DEER VALLEY, ANTIOCH, CA 94509 restaurant with my daughter we noticed that the food preparers where preparing food with their bare hands (touching lettuce, hamburger buns, etc.) which are not cooked items. I brought it to the attention of one of the workers and asked them why they weren’t wearing disposable food prep gloves; counter person acknowledged my concern and said yes other patrons were concerned as well, but they didn’t have gloves and didn’t have any other information to give me. I was surprised! We decided not to purchase a meal and left.

 

So I visited their website and telephone my observations and concerns in for the public and my local community. I was advised by McDonald’s that they are not requiring there employees to wear gloves in food preparation and said they had no concerns with reference to the H1N1 virus they their current food guidelines and preparation practices are safe. Here is their information if you’d like to telephone your personal opinions Call us. Within the U.S., you can call us on our toll-free telephone number at 1-800-244-6227. Visit website 

Corporate mailing address is:
McDonald’s Corporation
2111 McDonald's Dr
Oak Brook, IL 60523

So this prompted me to telephone the CDC directly; and I spoke to a representative today and voiced my concerns with reference to virus spread through food contamination and this is what I was told; “it is possible to get infected from food consumed which was prepared or handled by an individual infected with H1N1 if they cough, sneeze or touch food or utensils without washing hands according to current recommended guidelines”. I asked why the food and drug authorities are no making public facilities adhere to stricter standards. They advised they are recommending but is enforced by local authorities.  

My research has  found that as long as the person(s) are washing there hands thoroughly, not sneezing or coughing and food which is prepared @ 167-212 degrees Fahrenheit we will be relatively safe. Please also note that the virus can live on surfaces for up to 8 hours.  For more information contact CDC or visit their website. I am not just singling out McDonald's alone - but all food establishments which prepare food for the public!  Be my eyes and ears and voice your opinion let the media know how you feel make a difference.

I'm not an  easily alarmed person - but I am very concerned for my children's safety, their friends, my friends, business associates and clients health and welfare.  Therefore I feel it is important to stay well informed and practice good sanitary pratices and procedures  daily in protecting one's self and others from further spread of this virus. Let us not stop living but be constantly aware of our surroundings and voice our expectations of others then we'll all be safe and happy. 

What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.

 

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) - The ongoing outbreak of novel influenza A (H1N1) continues to expand in the United States and internationally. CDC expects that more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths from this outbreak will occur over the coming days and weeks.  Be Sure you know the warning signs.

 

U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
(As of May 5, 2009, 11:00 AM ET)

TOTAL (38 confirmed)

403 cases

1 death

 

 

What to Do If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms There are two influenza antiviral medications that are recommended for use against H1N1 flu. The drugs that are used for treating H1N1 flu are called oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu ®) and zanamivir (Relenza ®). As the H1N1 flu spreads, these antiviral drugs may become in short supply. Therefore, the drugs will be given first to those people who have been hospitalized or are at high risk of complications. The drugs work best if given within 2 days of becoming ill, but may be given later if illness is severe or for those at a high risk for complications.

You can prepare for an influenza pandemic now. You should know both the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family.  There is a great Pandemic Flu planning checklist for individuals and families which will help you gather the information and resources you may need in case of a flu pandemic.  

CDC has NOT recommended that people avoid domestic travel. If you are planning travel to affected areas, check out this link for travel recommendations which will help you reduce your risk of infection and stay healthy. Before your trips this season and the next monitor the outbreak situation.

For More Information Visit: www.pandemicflu.gov The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hotline, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636), is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY: 1-888-232-6348. Questions can be e-mailed to cdcinfo@cdc.gov. Links to state departments of public health can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/other.htm#states.

We are now fast approaching a time of year when people are getting married, graduating from school, going on vacations and celebrating together and enjoying each others company over food and drink, hugs and kisses, traveling outside their  local area  - so be safe and be aware.   

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