That carton of beer that went under water or that bottle of your best scotch pulled from a pile of flood mud that may look alright but Queensland Health advice is that it is not safe to consume.
Bundaberg Regional Council staff have observed people retrieving flood submerged food and drink items with a view to consuming them.
Council’s Health and Regulatory Services spokes person, Cr. Wayne Honor said there were potential risks associated with handling and consuming items that had been submerged in floodwaters.
Commercially canned foods that are sealed, not bulging or dented, may be safe. It is recommended that you:
- remove the label since it could harbor dirt and bacteria
- thoroughly wash the outside of the can with drinking quality water (hot if possible)
- sanitise the can by dipping it in a solution of 1.5 cups of household chlorine bleach in
10 itres of warm water for two minutes and then rinsing it in drinking quality water
- re-label the can with a waterproof marker pen, including the expiry date. Use the product as soon as possible.
Cr. Honor urged residents to visit http://www.health.qld.gov.au/disaster/documents/food-safety.pdf and read the advice offered by Queensland Health in regard the safe handling of flood affected food and drink.
Date: 06-02-2013