Food safety is important all year long, but with lots of gatherings coming up centered around food, food safety is essential. Proper food safety can mean the difference between being sick and miserable and an enjoyable time with friends and family. Be sure to follow these food safety tips for the holiday season and after.
- Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before preparing food and during major transitions (preparing raw meat to chopping fresh vegetables for example).
- Defrost food in the refrigerator or in a cool water bath with water changed every 30 minutes, never on the counter or in warm water.
- Keep all cooking surfaces clean and swap cooking utensils and cutting boards as needed between raw meat and cooked meat or other foods.
- Use a food thermometer to properly check if meat (and other food) is done.
- Don’t eat raw cookie dough, brownie batter, etc. with raw eggs or uncooked flour.
- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours.