Keep Food Poisoning Away from Your Holiday Table

Posted in Food Safety,Our Blog on December 2, 2024

With holiday entertaining being such a prime topic and focal point it is important to keep food poisoning away from your holiday table. Here are some tips and tricks that will help ensure that no one gets sick (at least not on purpose) while dining at your home.

Each year, about 48 million people in the U.S. fall ill from foodborne illnesses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some familiar “party crashers” like E. coli, salmonella, campylobacter and shigella tend to pop up – and trust me, these are not the guests you want at your holiday feast!

Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, food is everywhere, and sharing is the name of the game – but it’s best not to share everything. Bacteria love the holiday spread, especially when cooked meat sits out too long or salads aren’t washed properly.

A few tips: Keep meats, leafy greens and even desserts in check. Bacteria grow fast in the “danger zone” (between 40 and 140 degrees). So, cook that poultry to 165 degrees, and keep a trusty meat thermometer nearby. And yes, cookie dough can be tempting, but maybe check for pasteurized eggs before sneaking a taste.

Make sure to not share cutting boards that you have prepared meat on first before putting vegetables on them or using them again.

Vegans and vegetarians aren’t off the hook, either. E. coli and salmonella have been known to lurk in produce like onions, spinach and salad greens, so even plant-based eaters need to wash their veggies well and watch for recalls.

Leftovers? A holiday highlight, no doubt! Just pop them in the fridge within two hours, and eat them within three to four days. Reheat only what you’re planning to eat to keep bacteria at bay. We know it’s tempting to not want to waste food, it isn’t worth the risk.

Soap, water and a meat thermometer are your holiday kitchen BFFs. Clean up, cook well and keep foods out of the danger zone. With a few safety steps, you’ll be free to celebrate without worrying about any unwelcome “guests” tagging along!

Always remember the biggest #1 tip– Wash your hands! A scrub for 20 seconds with hand soap is such an imperative part of safe food handling.

Now is a great time to even brush up on safe food handling and hand washing tips with children as they want to be in the kitchen helping prepare food and serve guests now more than ever. Of course don’t forget the cookie baking with children that we all love and cherish. This is perfect timing to teach kids while also having a great time making family memories.

For more holiday food safety tips please keep an eye on Make Food Safe. We wish you and yours a series of very Happy Holidays!