Food Safety Tips to Keep You & Yours Healthy During the Holidays

With cooler temperatures upon us, many folks are taking extra precautions to prevent winter colds and the flu from invading their households. But what about taking precautions to prevent food born illnesses with work holiday parties and family gatherings? Here are a few tips to avoid preventable food born illness and still enjoy yummy food over the holidays!

• I know it's tempting, but don't taste the cookie dough until it has been cooked!
• Wash your hands frequently...especially when handling raw meat and eggs.
• Avoid cross-contamination. Keep raw meat/eggs away from items such as produce or bread that does not get cooked. Be sure and clean counters and work spaces with a disinfecting agent.
• Always thaw meat in the refrigerator and not on the counter. This takes a little more planning! For example, a 20 pound turkey can take between 4-5 days to thaw in the refrigerator. Mark on your calendar which day to put your turkey in the fridge.
• Be sure that your turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°. This also includes the stuffing in the turkey!
• Observe the two hour rule. Never leave food out for more than two hours...this includes pumpkin pie!