l If food has started to thaw, you must evaluate each item separately. Generally, be very careful with meat and poultry products, or any foods containing milk, cream, sour cream and soft cheese. When in doubt, throw out!

Raw meats and poultry from the freezer can usually be refrozen without too much quality loss. Prepared foods, vegetables and fruits can normally be refrozen, but there may be some quality loss.

Be sure to discard any fully cooked items in either the freezer or the refrigerator that have come into contact with raw meat juices.

Remember, you cannot rely on appearance or odour. Never taste food to determine its safety.

You and your doctor should report cases of food or water-borne illness to the Department of Health.

Be sure to report any food poisoning incidents if the food suspected came from a restaurant or commercial outlet.

Be prepared to give a detailed, but short account of the incident. If the food is a commercial product, have it in hand so you can describe it.

If you are asked to keep the food refrigerated so officials can examine it later, follow their directions carefully.