Holiday Food Safety

Let's Keep the Holiday Spirit Safe and Healthy!

Follow these guidelines to ensure a joyful and safe holiday season full of fun dining:

• Food Handling
  • Clean Hands: Wash hands with soap and water before cooking or serving food, and before and after handling raw meats.
  • Sanitize Surfaces: Ensure cutting boards, utensils, and countertops are clean.
  • Separate Foods: Keep raw meats away from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
•  Cooking
  • Cook Thoroughly: Ensure all dishes are cooked to the proper internal temperature (e.g., poultry to 165°F).
  • Use a Thermometer: Verify temperatures to ensure safety.
• Transporting Food
  • Keep It Safe: Use insulated containers to keep hot foods hot (above 140°F) and cold foods cold (below 40°F).
  • Time Matters: Food should not sit out for more than 2 hours.
• Serving
  • Label Dishes: Note common allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten.
  • Use Utensils: Provide serving spoons and tongs to avoid hand contact with food.
• Storing Leftovers
  • Cool Quickly: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of serving.
  • Safe Timeframe: Eat refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days.

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