CHICAGO – On game day, the last thing you want is a food-related fumble. Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, keeping food safe is key to enjoying the event to the fullest. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention want to remind everyone of some basic tips to successful and safe football party planning. Keeping your cooking area and your hands clean is a priority, especially when preparing food. Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods and ensure food reaches the right temperature to kill harmful bacteria. They also want you to remember to discard perishable foods that have been sitting out for more than two hours.
A complete list of helpful tips is listed below:
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food, and after using the bathroom or touching pets.
Clean cutting boards, utensils, and surfaces after each use.
Wash fruits and vegetables to prevent contamination.
Separate with Care:
Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination.
Use separate utensils and plates for different food types.
Provide individual serving utensils to prevent double-dipping.
Cook to Perfection:
Ensure food reaches the right temperature to kill harmful bacteria, using a thermometer.
Chicken wings should reach 165°F, ground beef 160°F, and follow recommendations for other foods.
Allow food to rest after cooking to ensure even cooking and kill cold spots.
Serve Safely:
Keep hot foods hot (140°F or warmer) and cold foods cold (40°F or colder) during serving.
Utilize chafing dishes, slow cookers, and ice trays to maintain temperatures.
When storing leftovers, divide food into smaller portions for rapid cooling and refrigerate within 2 hours.
Remember, it’s crucial to discard perishable foods that have been sitting out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour in temperatures above 90°F) and to reheat leftovers to 165°F before serving. By following these guidelines, you’ll score big on game day, ensuring that the only thing you’re tackling are the snacks!”
