Newswise — Parties and gatherings during the holidays are typically centered around food, making it important to know the do’s and don’ts of handling food. 

Bernard Camins, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at University of Alabama at Birmingham, provides answers to some common questions, including: 

  • What are the types of bacteria found in food that affect our digestive systems?
  • Where do food-borne bacteria come from?
  • Why do we get sick from eating certain foods?
  • What are the most common foods that carry food-borne illnesses?
  • Does food temperature matter? How long can you leave something out without its being refrigerated or kept warm?
  • What are the signs and symptoms of food-borne illness? How should it be treated?
  • What risks are associated with food-borne illnesses?
  • What can people do to prevent food-borne illnesses?

Camins is available for interviews via phone, the LTN Global Networks or ISDN line through the UAB News Studio. Click here to view the entire article.