Food Safety

After your kidney transplant, you’ll take immunosuppressive medicine to help keep your kidney working properly. The suppression of your immune system can make it difficult to fight off infection. Your risk of infection is higher in the first few months after your transplant.

Food can cause infection if proper food safety guidelines aren’t followed. Food can carry bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. You can help prevent food borne illness if you follow some simple guidelines.

• Wash your hands, cutting boards, counters, and utensils often when you prepare food.
• Keep raw and cooked foods separate.
• Store food carefully – keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.
• Make sure the milk, yogurt, cheese, and juices you buy have the word “pasteurized” on the label.
• Make sure meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are thoroughly cooked before eating.
• Avoid sashimi, sushi, steak tartar, or any other dish made with raw fish or meat.
• Don’t buy or use foods near the “best before” date or past that date.

Mouth care

Your immunosuppressive medicines may cause a fungal infection in your mouth. You can help prevent these infections by brushing your teeth at least 2 times a day and flossing at least once a day.