Don’t Let a Foodborne Illness Ruin your Holiday Party -- 12.23.2013
COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Press Release
FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013
Don’t Let a Foodborne Illness Ruin your Holiday Party
Simple Tips Help You Safely Shop, Cook and Eat for a Healthier and Safe Holiday
Holiday plans are in full swing and shopping, cooking and eating are part of the festivities. However, if you’re not careful, a foodborne illness can show up as a very unwelcome party guest during the holidays.
To enjoy a healthy and safe holiday, make sure these food safety tips are part of your party checklist:
Safe Shopping
- Separate raw meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and cleaning supplies in your cart and bags.
- Only buy fresh cut vegetables and salads that are refrigerated.
- Avoid canned goods that are dented, leaking or rusted because bacteria could be growing in the can.
- Buy cold foods last and go directly home after the grocery store.
- Remove groceries from the car as soon as you get home and refrigerate them immediately.
Safe Cooking
- Always follow the four basic food safety tips:
- Clean your hands and surfaces often;
- Separate raw meats from cooked foods;
- Cook food to safe temperatures as measured by a food thermometer; and,
- Chill foods promptly in the refrigerator.
Safe Eating
- Throw away all perishable foods such as meat, poultry, eggs and casseroles that have set out at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers in shallow containers and wrap or cover food.
- Slice whole roasts, hams and turkeys into smaller pieces before refrigerating or freezing.
- Consume leftovers in the refrigerator within 3-4 days and reheat them to 165° before eating.
For more information on food safety, visit fightbac.org or Columbus Public Health at publichealth.columbus.gov or on Facebook / Twitter.
-30-