Summer Safety from Beaches to Bee Stings

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A May 29, 2006 item by Robyn Shelton on the blog of the Orlando Sentinel quotes ACSH's report on Health and Safety Tips for Your Summer Vacation:

Hmmmmm, you can stop blaming the mayonnaise for making food susceptible to spoiling. This helpful booklet of safety tips from the American Council on Science and Health says that mayo is actually protective.

Straight from the ACSH: Scientists have shown that adding mayonnaise to food does not make it more dangerous, because the acid in the mayonnaise can actually prevent or slow the growth of bacteria that cause food poisoning. Mixed foods, like chicken salad, probably get their bad reputation simply because they are handled a lot during preparation, and this can contaminate them with bacteria.

Their tips span a wide range of topics, from beaches and boating to electrical storms and poison sumac. I've pulled out some suggestions below for your Memorial Day reading. Enjoy your day off! I'm headed to the beach myself (slathered in SPF 50, of course).

Again, this comes from the American Council on Science and Health's booklet, Health and Safety Tips for your Summer Vacation. I recommend downloading the whole thing.