Let the Good Times Roll, not the Germs: MCHD shares Mardi Gras food safety tips 1-23-26

January 23, 2026

Let the Good Times Roll, not the Germs: MCHD shares Mardi Gras food safety tips

MOBILE, Ala. — As Carnival festivities begin across Mobile County, the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) is reminding residents and visitors that practicing good personal hygiene and choosing safe food options are critical to preventing foodborne illness and other infections during Carnival season. Crowded parade routes, shared surfaces, and outdoor eating can make it easier for germs to spread if basic precautions are ignored.

“Mardi Gras is one of our community’s favorite times of the year, and a few simple steps can help keep those good times from turning into a trip home with vomiting, diarrhea, or fever,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Clean hands, safe food, and approved vendors go a long way toward protecting your family’s health.”

Keep hands clean on the route

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating, after using the restroom, and after picking up beads or throws from the ground.

When sinks are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or disposable wipes before handling food or drinks.

Remind children to keep their hands away from their mouths and faces until they have been cleaned.

Consumers should look for the following when selecting a vendor or restaurant.

Choose safe, approved food vendors

Purchase food only from approved, permitted vendors and concession stands that appear clean and have handwashing supplies or glove use in place.

Look for vendors who keep hot foods steaming hot and cold foods chilled on ice or in refrigeration, and who protect food from flies, dust, and direct handling.

Avoid food from unlicensed street sellers or items that have been sitting out at room temperature for long periods.

Pack and store parade food safely

Keep hot foods hot (above 140 degrees) and cold foods cold (below 40 degrees) to stay out of the “danger zone” where bacteria grow quickly.

Perishable foods like fried chicken, sandwiches with meat or mayonnaise, potato salad, and deviled eggs should be kept in an insulated cooler with plenty of ice or frozen gel packs.

Throw away perishable foods that have been left out for more than two hours—or more than one hour if temperatures are above 90 degrees.

Prevent cross-contamination

Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods such as salads, fruits, and sandwiches.

Use clean utensils and serving tools rather than bare hands. Never reuse plates or containers that once held raw foods for cooked items.

Wipe down cooler lids, serving areas, and hands after reaching into ice chests, which can become contaminated after repeated use along the parade route.

Know the signs of foodborne illness

Symptoms of foodborne illness can include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, chills, and fever, and are often mistaken for a “24-hour virus” or flu.

Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness and dehydration.

Anyone experiencing severe vomiting or diarrhea, blood in the stool, high fever, or signs of dehydration should seek medical care promptly.

For more information about food safety and Mardi Gras health tips, contact the Mobile County Health Department at 251-690-8158 or check out our smartphone app the is available for free in the App Store and Google Play. Search “My MCHD Health Check” or click the following link to download the app — https://apps.myocv.com/share/a65536603. The app can be used in both English and Spanish.