Holiday food safety: Five tips for a healthy season
Holiday Issue
The holidays bring festive meals and plenty of opportunities to share food with family and friends. They also come with a higher risk of foodborne illness as we prepare large dishes, host gatherings and leave food out longer than usual. These five tips can help keep your celebrations safe.
- Cook foods thoroughly—especially ready-to-cook items
Many holiday favorites come in ready-to-cook forms, including refrigerated cookie dough, frozen entrées, pizzas and partially prepared dishes. They may look ready to eat, but they must be fully cooked according to package directions to kill harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer when needed and always follow the cooking instructions on the label. Proper cooking helps protect everyone—especially young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
- Keep the kitchen clean and organized
A busy kitchen can increase the risk of cross-contamination. Wash hands with soap and warm water before, during and after food preparation. Clean and sanitize counters, utensils and cutting boards after they come into contact with raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs. Use separate cutting boards for raw proteins and ready-to-eat foods. A clean workspace helps reduce the spread of harmful bacteria.
- Practice safe food handling
Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, under cold running water or in the microwave—never on the counter.
• Keep raw and cooked foods separate during storage and prep.
• Refrigerate leftovers quickly. Don’t leave perishable foods out for more than two hours (one hour if the room is above 90 degrees).
- Protect higher-risk individuals
Some people face a greater risk of severe illness from foodborne bacteria, including pregnant women, infants and young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. Safe-cooking practices are especially important when preparing food for these groups.
- Remember: Food safety is year-round
Holiday meals may be special, but the basics never change. Cooking foods thoroughly, following package directions and keeping prep areas clean help prevent illness in every season.
Wishing everyone a safe and healthy holiday!