For Seniors, Eat with Caution

Holidays mean lots of new seasonal foods with celebrations. To reduce risks of illness from bacteria in food, seniors (and others who face special risks of illness) are advised not to eat:

• Raw fin fish and shellfish, including oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops.
• Hot dogs and luncheon meats, unless they are reheated until steaming hot.
• Raw or unpasteurized milk or soft cheeses (such as Feta, Brie, Camembert, blue-veined, and Mexican-style cheese) unless they are labeled "made with pasteurized milk".
• Refrigerated patés or meat spreads. Canned or shelf-stable patés and meat spreads may be eaten.
• Refrigerated smoked seafood unless it is contained in a cooked dish, such as a casserole. Refrigerated smoked seafood, such as salmon, trout, whitefish, cod, tuna, or mackerel, is often labeled as "nova-style," "lox," "kippered," "smoked," or "jerky." These products are found in the refrigerated section or sold at deli counters of grocery stores and delicatessens. Canned or shelf-stable smoked seafood may be eaten.
• Raw or lightly cooked egg or egg products containing raw eggs such as salad dressings, cookie or cake batter, sauces, and beverages such as egg nog. (Foods made from commercially pasteurized eggs are safe to eat.)
• Raw meat or poultry.
• Raw sprouts (alfalfa, clover, and radish)
• Unpasteurized or untreated fruit or vegetable juice (These juices will carry a warning label.)

— FDA