How to ensure proper food safety when cooking for someone undergoing chemotherapy

Questions and Answers ABOUT FOODS AND CANCER PREVENTION AND SURVIVAL

QUESTION: How do you ensure proper food safety when cooking for someone undergoing chemotherapy?

ANSWER: A clean and safe food supply is important for everyone, but is
essential for people with compromised immune systems. Older persons and
individuals undergoing cancer treatment are especially at risk from bacteria,
viruses, or other foreign substances that can turn up in food. To keep
your meals safe and clean, follow these simple practices:

■ Wash your hands with soap and hot water before and after preparing
food and before eating.
■ Avoid preparing or eating all types of meat, eggs, and dairy products,
as these foods are commonly contaminated with bacteria. Poultry
products are especially likely to be contaminated. Raw milk and
home-prepared ice creams or mayonnaise, as well as cake and cookie
batter made with eggs, may easily contain infectious bacteria.
■ Keep cold foods cold (below 40 degrees F) and hot foods hot (above
165 degrees F).
■ Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before
using them.
■ Wash the tops of cans before opening them.
■ During food preparation, if you need to taste the food you are making,
use a different utensil from the one used for stirring or serving.
■ Do not taste food that looks or smells strange.