The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and of course – delicious feasts! As you prepare to indulge in traditional, festive meals, it’s important to prioritize food safety to ensure you’re keeping you and your loved ones safe. From the kitchen to the dining table, here are some essential tips to keep in mind for a worry-free holiday.
1. Start Squeaky Clean
Before you embark on your day-long holiday cooking, make sure your workstation is thoroughly clean. Bacteria can easily spread through cross-contamination, so make it a habit to wash your hands frequently and sanitize all cooking tools and surfaces.
2. Check Your Expirations
Is there something you use only once per year? Check expiration dates, and discard anything that is sincerely past due. Refresh seasonal ingredients and take the opportunity to challenge yourself to use niche ingredients for other purposes.
3. Separate Raw and Cooked Foods
A simple but effective way to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria is by keeping raw and cooked foods separate during preparation, storage, and serving. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and vegetables to avoid cross-contamination.
4. Thaw Correctly
When thawing animal proteins, it’s important to use food-safe practices to keep your food out of the temperature “danger zone” (40℉ to 140℉) where bacteria can grow at an exponential rate. Thaw in the fridge or in a sink of cool water, refreshing the water often to keep a low temperature.
5. Cook Thoroughly
Achieving the perfect doneness isn’t just about taste, but also about temperature! Use a food thermometer to ensure that meats, poultry, and seafood are cooked to the recommended internal temperatures to kill harmful bacteria.
6. Refrigerate and Store
After your meal, be sure to promptly refrigerate leftovers. Divide large portions into smaller containers to cool faster, and for easier single-serve consumption. Use perishable leftovers within 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months and reheat them to 165℉ before enjoying.
7. Be Careful of the Buffet
If you’re hosting a larger-scale holiday buffet, take extra precautions to maintain food safety for you and your guests. Keep hot foods hot (above 140℉) with chafing dishes or slow cookers and cold foods cold (below 40℉) with ice trays or insulated bowls. Discard perishable items that have been sitting out for more than 2 hours.
8. Be Allergy-Conscious
Holiday gatherings bring in a diverse range of dietary preferences and allergies. Clearly label dishes that contain common allergens like nuts and dairy. Consider offering alternative options to accommodate your guests’ needs.
9. Wash Up
Amid the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, it’s easy to forget about washing your hands before sitting down to eat. Encourage your guests to do the same, especially if serving foods family style!
10. Trust Your Instincts
If something smells off, looks odd, or seems spoiled, trust your instincts, and discard it. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety.
By: Aubrey Redd, MS, RDN, LDN