WITH several states badly affected by floods and flood alerts issued in some places given heavy, continuous rain, it's imperative that we ensure food contamination does not happen.
On Dec 29 last year, the Health Ministry issued a statement cautioning flood victims about the risk of consuming food exposed to floodwaters, which could be contaminated by animal carcasses, faeces or waste.
Floodwater contains E.coli and other bacteria which can cause food poisoning.
Clinical dietitian Rozanna M. Rosly said proper food storage is important during floods to ensure food is not contaminated and food supplies are adequate.
For example, in flood-prone areas, fresh ingredients may not last long, especially if refrigerators are not functional.
She advised consumers to choose vegetables that will stay fresh in room-temperature storage for consumption, such as cucumber, pumpkin, snake gourd or brinjals.
They should also stock up on cannedvegetables, such as peas, corn or mushrooms, which will not perish easily.
"One can also chop up cooking ingredients like onions, garlic and ginger and place them in vinegar or oil to last longer. Alternatively, fry them before storing."
Rozanna said it's wise to do a food inventory to ensure one has an adequate supply of food should rising floodwaters prevent grocery shopping.
BE PREPARED
Go to your pantry and make sure you have the following foods:
1. Energy Foods - Complex Carbohydrates/Grains
Rice, dried noodles, pasta, biscuits and all purpose white or wholemeal flour.
2. Protein
Eggs, canned tuna/sardines, anchovies, dried prawns and dry/canned beans/dhall/legumes.
3. Vegetables
Opt for canned or tinned vegetables given the current floods. Leafy green vegetables/salads/ulam do not last long without refrigeration and need to be cooked/eaten when purchased.
4. Fruit
Buy local, seasonal or longer lasting fruit such as bananas, guava, jackfruit/cempedak or dried or pickled fruits.
5. Dairy Products
Powdered milk has a longer shelf life compared with fresh milk, while UHT milk can be stored at room temperature (only refrigerated once consumed/used). Fresh milk has the shortest expiry date.
FLOOD NECESSITIES
Stock up on portable kitchen equipment that doesn't require electricity such as:
Hot water flasks
Gas stove kettles
Water filter jugs
Camping gas stoves/ mini gas burners
Water purification tablets
Butane gas cartridges