BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW) — As residents prepare for the upcoming Crawford County Fair and the annual Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival, local health officials are reminding the public that food safety is crucial to ensuring a healthy celebration.
While Crawford County Public Health routinely inspects food vendors at fairs and festivals to protect public health, officials emphasized that individuals play a vital role in preventing foodborne illness.
“Fairs and festivals are some of our community’s favorite traditions,” Kate Siefert, health commissioner for Crawford County Public Health, said. “A few simple food safety habits can help ensure your family leaves with great memories instead of an upset stomach.”
Environmental health specialists inspect licensed temporary and mobile food operations throughout local events to verify that vendors maintain safe food temperatures, proper handwashing facilities, good employee hygiene, and proper food preparation procedures.
To help reduce the risk of illness, health officials recommend the following precautions:
- Wash hands frequently: Use handwashing stations before eating and immediately after visiting animal exhibits. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Separate animals from food: Avoid eating or drinking while inside animal barns or petting areas. Wash hands thoroughly after touching animals, pens, or equipment.
- Check food temperatures: Choose foods that are cooked fresh and served steaming hot. Cold foods should be kept cold. Avoid food that has been sitting out for extended periods.
- Eat prepared foods promptly: Do not allow items like sandwiches, pizza, barbecue, or dairy products to sit in the summer heat.
- Practice good hygiene and protect children: Avoid touching your face while eating and encourage children to wash their hands frequently. Children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to severe foodborne illness.
- Refrigerate leftovers quickly: Perishable foods should not remain at room temperature for more than two hours, or just one hour if outdoor temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration during warm weather and increased physical activity.
Symptoms of foodborne illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. While most cases are mild, anyone experiencing severe symptoms, dehydration, bloody diarrhea, or an illness lasting more than several days should contact a healthcare provider.
For more information about food safety or temporary food licensing, residents can contact the Crawford County Public Health Environmental Health Division at 419-562-5871 or visit crawfordhealth.org.
