Media room

Media Room Kelli Newman 
Public Affairs & Communications
(614) 645-7213 
[email protected]

Press Archive

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-