Food Safety for Older Adults

Food safety is important for everyone — but it is especially important for adults age 65 and older.

As we age, natural changes in the body can make it harder to fight off infections from foodborne germs.

This includes:

• A weaker immune response
• Slower digestion
• Less stomach acid to kill bacteria
• Chronic health conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease

Because of this, older adults are more likely to:

➡️ Get sick from contaminated food
➡️ Experience more severe illness
➡️ Require hospitalization

The good news: many foodborne illnesses can be prevented with simple habits.

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Why Food Safety Matters More with Age

Foodborne illness occurs when harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites contaminate food.

While anyone can get food poisoning, older adults:

✔ May take longer to recover
✔ May experience more serious complications
✔ May not notice spoilage due to changes in taste or smell

Practicing safe food habits is one of the best ways to stay healthy.

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The 4 Basic Steps to Food Safety

Following these four steps can reduce your risk of illness:

1. Clean

• Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds
• Clean cutting boards and utensils
• Wash fruits and vegetables

2. Separate

Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods.

• Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood
• Use different cutting boards when possible

This helps prevent cross-contamination.

3. Cook

Food must be cooked thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria.

Examples:

• Cook meat until fully done
• Avoid runny eggs
• Reheat leftovers until steaming hot

4. Chill

Cold temperatures slow bacterial growth.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
• If food sits out in heat, refrigerate within 1 hour
• Keep refrigerator at 40°F or below

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Foods Older Adults Should Avoid

Some foods carry a higher risk of foodborne illness.

Limit or avoid:

• Raw or undercooked meat
• Raw eggs
• Unpasteurized milk or juice
• Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk
• Raw seafood or shellfish
• Refrigerated smoked seafood
• Raw sprouts

Hot dogs and deli meats should be reheated until steaming hot before eating.

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Grocery Shopping Safety Tips

✔ Choose pasteurized products
✔ Check expiration dates
✔ Avoid dented cans
✔ Refrigerate groceries promptly

Go directly home after food shopping and put refrigerated groceries in the refrigerator/freezer to keep food safe.

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Safe Storage at Home

• Refrigerate leftovers quickly
• Label and date foods
• Avoid keeping leftovers longer than 3–4 days
• Freeze foods you won’t eat soon

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Eating Out Safely

When dining out:

✔ Order fully cooked foods
✔ Send back undercooked meals
✔ Take leftovers home only if they can be refrigerated quickly

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Signs of Foodborne Illness

Watch for:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Dehydration

If symptoms are severe or last more than 2–3 days, contact your healthcare provider.

Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.  

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Medical Disclaimer

This material is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Food safety needs may vary based on individual health conditions, medications, and immune status. Older adults, especially those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems, should consult their healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding food safety practices and dietary choices. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience symptoms of foodborne illness such as persistent vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or signs of dehydration. Call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

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Sources:

• https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/2021-04/at-risk-booklet.pdf