Tag Archives: labor day

Avoid Foodborne Illness During Summer Celebrations, July 4th

Avoid Foodborne Illness During Labor Day Celebrations, Monday, Sept. 4

Health & Fitness, ,

Avoid Foodborne Illness During Labor Day Celebrations

During Labor Day holiday will be celebrated this weekend and whether it is camping, road trips, cookouts, picnics in the park, or other activities, all of these will involve food. The County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health is reminding families to take extra precautions so that food-borne bacteria don’t ruin the fun. 

Food-borne illness increases in summer due to variety of factors, including warmer temperatures. 
It’s important to remember that bacteria grow faster in warm temperatures, so extra care needs to be taken to prevent possible food poisoning. Cooking food thoroughly, keeping food refrigerated, and making sure that food prep surfaces and hands are clean are basics that ensure a safe meal. 

To help residents stay healthy and safe, the Department of Environmental Health has provided the following tips: 

  • Make sure you wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
  • Marinate food in the refrigerator. Reserve a portion of the unused marinate to use as a sauce, don’t use sauce that was used to marinate raw meat or poultry on cooked food.
  • When grilling foods, preheat the coals for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the coals are lightly coated with ash.
  • Use a food thermometer to make sure meat and poultry are thoroughly cooked to their safe minimum internal temperature: 

–     Beef, pork, lamb and veal (steaks, roasts, and chops): 145 degrees F with a 3-minute rest time.

–     Ground meats: 160 degrees F. 

–     Whole poultry, poultry breasts and ground poultry: 165 degrees F. 

–     Fish should be opaque and flake easily or cook to 145 degrees F. 

  • Always use a fresh, clean plate and tongs for serving cooked food. Never reuse items that touched raw meat or poultry to serve the food once it is cooked.
  • Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and ready-to-eat items such as vegetables, fruits or breads.
  • Keep perishable food cold until it is ready to cook. In hot weather (above 90 degrees F), food should NEVER sit out for more than one hour. Keep hot food hot by setting it to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where it could overcook.
  • A full cooler will maintain its cold temperature longer than a partially filled one. When using a cooler, keep it out of the direct sun by placing it in the shade or shelter. Keep drinks in a separate cooler from foods. The beverage cooler will be opened frequently while the food cooler stays cold. 

Follow these tips and enjoy a safe and fun Labor Day time. For more information, visit the County Department of Environmental Health website at www.EHinfo.org or call the Consumer Protection Division at (408) 918-3400.

Shared with all areas in County of Santa Clara – Office of Public Affairs in Crime & Safety

Director Gwendolyn Mitchell from County of Santa Clara – Office of Public Affairs

labor day for Craftswomen

Labor Day for Craftswomen

News, ,

What is Labor Day for Craftswomen?

For much of the United States, Labor day is a time to relax, bar-b-que and have a beer or two. Officially, Labor Day is held the first Monday in September and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.

As a Craftswoman, you know that this is the time of year to make and sell! Summer shows are nearing an end and Holiday sales are about to start.

This Labor Day, if you haven’t already, take the time to complete this short checklist to make sure you’re ready for the season ahead!

Holiday Readiness Checklist

  • Do you have plenty of supplies for your business? Not just creative supplies, think cleaning, packing and shipping. 
  • Are you offering gift wrapping? This is a great way to add value to your product. 
  • Have you replenished from your summer sales?
  • If you are doing shows, are all of your show supplies (tent, brochures, business cards) in good supply and repair?
  • Depending on your show schedule, you may need additional help. During the holidays, it might not be easy to find someone to “cover” your breaks. Start looking for “seasonal help” now!
  • On a personal note, make sure you’ve got all your laundry done! I don’t know about you but this is the time of year that it just piles up for me! 

I hope you’ve found this article useful and encouraging. Don’t forget to take time for yourself and you family this holiday season. Remember to share your “outtakes” with us in the Showcase! We love to see your pictures!

Also, check out this helpful article on Clearing The Clutter before the holiday season hits.