Many Fair visitors list food as one of the main attractions at the annual funfest. More than a hundred different foods are expected to be on the menu at the Kansas State Fair this year. Efforts to keep foods served at the Fair safe to eat aren t listed on the menus, but the efforts are uppermost in the minds of vendors and organizers. Foods that have an off color, texture or aroma should not be eaten, she said.
Temperature is an important consideration.
When foods that should be served hot are allowed to cool to an unsafe temperature, potentially harmful bacteria that may be present on the food can grow and may cause foodborne illness, which often is mistaken for the flu. Symptoms can occur within hours after eating, but may not appear for several weeks. Children, the elderly, and others who may have immune systems that can be compromised by chronic illnesses or medical treatments, such as chemo therapy, can be more susceptible. If foodborne illness is suspected, it should be reported immediately to the health department. Foods that should be refrigerated also need to be well chilled.