It’s time for work parties, family dinners and other gatherings where food is served as part of the holiday cheer. Environment, Health and Safety’s Environmental Health Program shares food safety tips to protect you, your family and your friends from foodborne illnesses during this holiday season.
Always follow these four simple steps:
- Clean your hands for 20 seconds with soapy water. Avoid reusing plates that previously held raw meat and poultry.
- Separate raw and cooked foods so you don't cross-contaminate.
- Cook using a food thermometer to ensure food reaches a safe minimum internal temperature.
- Chill leftovers within two hours of cooking.
Many traditional dishes require careful preparation. Be sure to cook them to the correct internal temperatures to destroy food-poisoning bacteria.
- Cook all raw beef, pork, lamb and veal steaks, chops, and roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F before removing them from the heat source. Allow them to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming them.
- Cook all raw ground beef, pork, lamb and veal to an internal temperature of at least 155°F.
- Cook all poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F as measured with a food thermometer.
Use Care with Stuffing!
- Mix wet and dry ingredients for the stuffing separately and combine just before using. Add it to the turkey immediately before it's placed in the oven.
- All stuffing and dressing must be cooked to a minimum temperature of 165°F.
- The turkey should be stuffed loosely and extra stuffing baked in a greased casserole dish.
On the Go
If transporting food, be sure to keep hot foods hot (135°F or above) by carrying them in insulated containers. Keep cold food at 41°F or below by using ice or frozen gel packs. Packing and using an appliance thermometer in the cooler is the best way to ensure food maintains a safe temperature.
Leftovers
Refrigerated leftovers are safe to eat for up to four days. Leftovers can be frozen indefinitely in the freezer, but they retain their best quality if eaten within two to six months.
Happy holidays and remember to be food safe!
