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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Eating Out Safely
When dining out:
✔ Order fully cooked foods
✔ Send back undercooked meals
✔ Take leftovers home only if they can be refrigerated quickly
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.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This resource is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information presented is general in nature and may not apply to every individual or health situation.
Individuals should consult their physician or other qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations related to their specific health conditions and should not begin any new exercise program or change their diet or medications without consulting their healthcare professional.
Call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.