Transcript Cengage PowerPoint Template

Nursing Assistant Monthly
Food safety
for older adults
July 2011
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Why worry?
Foodborne illness can strike anyone
But it is especially dangerous for older adults:
 may have other medical problems
 are less able to tolerate fluid loss from diarrhea, vomiting,
fever
 immune system may not function as well
– due to illness or medications
 lower stomach acid in older adults allows bacteria to
survive
July 2011
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Food safety for older adults
What happens when food is contaminated?
Contaminated food contains:
1. disease-causing microorganisms
2. toxins produced by these germs
3. or both
July 2011
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Food safety for older adults
Common sources of contamination
 Hands of food packer or preparer
 Dirty food prep surfaces
 Food not washed well
 Food not well cooked
 Food not kept at proper serving temperature
– Bacteria may grow and/or release toxins
July 2011
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Food safety for older adults
Common symptoms of foodborne illness
 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Diarrhea
 Fever
July 2011
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Food safety for older adults
When do symptoms generally begin?
 Within hours
– Salmonella, clostridium
 Within 1 or 2 days
– Norovirus
 Within 1 week
– E. coli (a few days to a week)
 Within 2 to 3 weeks
– Listeria
July 2011
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Food safety for older adults
Preventing foodborne illness
 Good hand washing before prepping or serving food
 Good hand washing before eating
– Assist residents who need help
 Store food at proper temperatures
 Date all food in the refrigerator
 Throw away food after 3 days or if it does not look fresh
 Follow facility guidelines for serving food to residents
July 2011
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Food safety for older adults
Did you know?
 Wash all fruits & vegetables before eating
– Even those with rinds or skins that are peeled
– Bacteria on the skins can contaminate the fruit with handling
 Wash the top of jars or canned food before opening
– Bacteria, dust, and debris can enter food when opening the can
 Some bacteria (such as listeria in hot dogs, deli meats) can
grow in cold conditions
– Check the temperature of the refrigerator — it should be at or below
40°F
July 2011
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Food safety for older adults
CNA’s best ally against foodborne illness
 HAND WASHING!
– Before touching food when prepping, serving, eating
– Lather hands for 20 seconds, then rinse
– Time yourself by saying the alphabet slowly — it takes about 20
seconds
Your efforts will help to keep you and the residents safe
and healthy!
July 2011
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Food safety for older adults