As families gather during the Lunar New Year in South Korea, there is an increased risk of food poisoning and infectious diseases. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety emphasizes the importance of proper food handling, such as washing hands frequently and shopping for ingredients in a specific order to maintain freshness. It is crucial to complete shopping within one hour, starting with non-perishable items and ending with those that require refrigeration, while ensuring that online purchases do not remain at room temperature for too long.

The article explains the importance of avoiding cross-contamination when preparing holiday meals. Individuals must wash their hands after touching raw foods like eggs and meat before handling other ingredients. The use of separate cutting boards and knives for different types of food is advised, and careful attention must be paid to the thawing of frozen ingredients, which should be cooked immediately after thawing. Specific temperature guidelines for cooking meats and seafood are provided to ensure safety from pathogens.

Additionally, the article highlights the ongoing influenza outbreak in the region, urging people to follow preventive measures such as handwashing and wearing masks, particularly among high-risk individuals. Those planning to travel abroad during the holidays should check the infectious disease situation in their destination countries, as certain areas may have notable health risks, such as plague in Mongolia and New Mexico. The piece underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness in ensuring public health during the festive season.