MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The 366th Public Health flight hosted its inaugural Food Safety Expo May 21, at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Food giveaways and educational demonstrations were available for all visitors at the Base Exchange.

The event aimed to educate the population on healthy food preparation and the effects it can have when performed improperly.

"The main goal is to demonstrate how to properly cook food, store food, and the correct cleaning procedures," said Captain Venita Ramirez, 366th Public Health Flight Chief. "All of this is aimed at preventing food-borne illness."

The Center for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 6 people get sick, 128,000 Americans are hospitalized and 3,000 people die from food related illness each year.

"Mixing raw foods with foods ready-to-eat is one of the more important and dangerous aspects of food safety," Ramirez said. "If you aren't watching out for it, you could end up getting bacteria or viruses on foods you're ready-to-eat."

Be sure to carefully prepare raw foods such as poultry, beef, fish and other meats separately from vegetables, fruits and all previously prepared foods.

"Even if you've done a good job at cooking it, you could very easily get sick from cross contamination, improper storage and even the way you handle your food," Ramirez said.

Food safety is imperative to maintaining proper nutrition and good health. Be sure to keep yourself fit to fight by practicing healthy preparation techniques.