Avoiding food poisoning: Quebec Association of Microbiologists emphasize food storage rules

With visitors to welcome, roasts to take out of the oven, drinks to serve, we can forget to put appetizers that have been on the counter for too long back in the refrigerator. To avoid food poisoning, food stored in the refrigerator should remain at room temperature for no more than two hours.

In the context of the holiday season, the Quebec Association of Microbiologists (AMQ) has issued a call for vigilance, reminding people of the measures to follow for proper food preservation.

“The golden rule is that food must be stored between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. In fact, if you leave a meal at room temperature for too long, bacteria will multiply, which can make your family and loved ones sick,” explained Marc Hamilton, president of the AMQ, in a press release.

The association recommends that foods which normally belong in the refrigerator, such as sandwiches, deviled eggs, salads, shrimp wraps, and anything containing mayonnaise, should not spend more than two hours on the counter.

Since outdoor temperatures in winter often hover around zero degrees Celsius or well below, food can be temporarily stored outside. However, avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can warm the food and create an environment conducive to bacterial growth.

While microbiologists are raising awareness about preserving holiday meals, they are also reminding people that their expertise is essential in several areas to ensure public safety, particularly in food safety and the detection of pathogenic organisms.

The association is asking the provincial government to integrate the profession into the Quebec professional system so it can be regulated by an order.

“The population must be able to have full confidence, whether it is when consulting a microbiology professional or when looking for reliable information on questions related to our field,’ explains Hamilton, specifying that this is a consensus. He cited a 2023 CROP survey, which found that eight out of ten Quebecers support this idea.

The AMQ represents more than 500 certified microbiologists who practice professionally in Quebec.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews

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