At a glance
- Adults 65 and older are more likely to get sick from certain germs spread through food, like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria.
- Some foods are more likely to spread harmful germs, including undercooked meat and eggs, unpasteurized milk and cheese, and unwashed produce.
- If you are 65 or older, choose safer food options to protect yourself from food poisoning.
- In addition to avoiding riskier foods, always follow the four steps to prevent food poisoning: clean, separate, cook, and chill.
Why it’s important
Older adults have a higher risk of getting sick from food poisoning and having a more serious illness.
To prevent food poisoning, some foods are safer choices than others. That’s because some foods—such as undercooked meat and eggs, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurized milk—are more often associated with foodborne illnesses.
Fact
Nearly half of people aged 65 and older who have a lab-confirmed foodborne illness from Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria or E. coli are hospitalized.
Safer food choices
Use the table below as a guide to safer food choices. You should also always follow steps to prevent food poisoning.
| Poultry and Meat | |
| Riskier Choice | Safer Choice |
| Raw or undercooked poultry or meat Poultry includes chicken and turkey Meat includes beef, pork, lamb, and veal Unheated deli meat, cold cuts, hot dogs, and fermented or dry sausages Refrigerated pâté or meat spreads | Poultry and meat cooked to a safe internal temperature (use a food thermometer) All poultry cooked to 165°F Whole cuts cooked to 145°F (rest 3 minutes) Ground meats cooked to 160°F Deli meats heated to 165°F or until steaming hot Pâté or meat spreads in sealed, airtight containers |
| Deli Salads | |
| Riskier Choice | Safer Choice |
| Premade deli salads: Coleslaw Potato salad Tuna salad Chicken salad Egg salad | Homemade deli salads |
| Vegetables and Fruits | |
| Riskier Choice | Safer Choice |
| Raw or undercooked sprouts Unwashed fruits and vegetables Cut melon left out over 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F) | Cooked sprouts Washed fruits and vegetables (washed then cooked is safest) Fresh cut melon refrigerated 7 days or fewer |
| Juice | |
| Riskier Choice | Safer Choice |
| Unpasteurized juice or cider | Pasteurized juice or cider Unpasteurized juice brought to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute |
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/adults-65-older.html
