Check for expiry and best-before dates. Don’t buy foods past the expiry date. Expiry dates are specific to perishable items, especially those that may pose health risks if consumed after the date. Consuming foods past their expiry date can lead to foodborne illnesses. Best-before dates provide information on freshness and the potential shelf life of foods. […]

Germs can’t rapidly grow at temperatures that are too cold or hot. Maintaining proper cooking and storage temperatures is important to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Here are some guidelines to follow: Use a clean meat thermometer to make sure that foods are cooked to a safe temperature. Safe cooking temperatures can be found here. […]

A foodborne illness occurs when harmful germs, such as bacteria, parasites, or viruses, contaminate the food that you eat, making you sick. These germs may get into food when it’s prepared, processed, or if it’s washed with contaminated water.  There are two ways that foodborne illnesses occur: Foodborne infection: Consuming food containing harmful germs, such […]

Foods can carry germs that are harmful to your health. Practicing safe food handling at home can help you avoid foodborne illnesses that can affect your health and that of your developing baby. When in doubt, throw it out: If you aren’t sure if a food is safe, don’t eat it. Foodborne illnesses can impact […]

Caffeine is found in coffee and coffee-based drinks, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks and some foods like chocolate. Too much caffeine can have a negative effect on your health. People planning to become pregnant should limit their caffeine intake to 300 mg per day. That’s about 2 cups (500 ml) of coffee. Other adults should […]

Fluids help you digest your food and move nutrients around your body. The fluid you drink also helps carry waste out of your body. Most adults should try to take in about 9-12 cups (2.25-3 litres) of fluid a day. This includes all beverages, soups, coffee, tea and the water that is part of foods […]

Setting personal goals can help you improve your eating habits. Visit Healthy Eating Starts Here for tips and resources on healthy eating. Focus on small changes that can help you meet your nutrition needs for a future pregnancy.   Making healthy eating habits part of your everyday life can make it easier for you to continue them throughout […]

You can help support your health and the health of your baby by eating well before you become pregnant. During pregnancy, your body will need more nutrients. You can get ready right now by choosing a variety of food from Canada’s food guide each day. Folic acid is important in the very early weeks of […]

Following Canada’s food guide will help you have a healthy, well-balanced pattern of eating. Choose a variety of foods from Canada’s food guide: Have plenty of vegetables and fruits with your meals and snacks, choose whole grain foods, eat a variety of protein foods (including plant-based protein foods), make water your drink of choice. Canada’s […]