Following an earthquake in Christchurch, the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) have issue an advisory in order to protect citizens from an outbreak of any waterborne diseases and have advised citizens to maintain utmost hygiene.

Due to the earthquake, there is a possibility that electricity supply might not be available or appliances like fridge, oven might malfunction. In this situation the food might perish quicker and the supply of water can be infected.

In order to avoid getting infected with any of the waterborne diseases or to avoid the suffering from the earthquake, a few easy things can go a long way to help.

It has been advised that perishable goods should be consumed first followed by food items which last longer like canned foods, so that your able to make utmost use of your resources. Don’t open the fridge too often; it minimizes cooling in the fridge.

Consumption of vegetables or fruit, lying in flood water is a strict no. All food items must be kept in a waterproof container and kept at a place where flood water cannot reach them.

Spoilt food must be discarded at the earliest possible in order to save healthy food from getting spoilt. It is important to make not of that ‘HYGIENE’ is of utmost relevance.

Hygiene can be maintained by simple activities like washing and drying your hands before and after cooking food. Make sure utensils in which the food is being served are clean. The food should be cooked thoroughly, so as to kill any bacteria present in the food.