AIDS Victims Warned of Food Dangers

WASHINGTON — Federal health officials on Tuesday began distributing a 15-minute videotape advising people infected with the AIDS virus to be especially careful about the foods they eat and how they prepare those foods.

Because their immune systems are weakened, people with AIDS and earlier stages of the disease face special dangers from food-borne illnesses that can result from improperly cooked and handled foods, the videotape says.

These people can develop life-threatening illnesses from foods such as raw or lightly cooked eggs, meats and seafoods, as well as unwashed produce or food prepared in an unsanitary manner.

The videotape, being sent to community health organizations nationwide, provides information on foods to be avoided and instruction on how best to handle and prepare foods. It also offers advice on how to minimize risks from food-borne infections when dining out and during travel abroad.

The videotape was produced by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and is being distributed through the CDC’s National AIDS Information Clearinghouse.