Food safety tips for holiday meals

WOODSTOCK Ill. – Planning for holiday meals should include more than a delicious menu and invited guests.   McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) wants you to practice safe food handling as well.  Keeping “hot things hot (>135 degrees) and cold things cold” can reduce your risk of a food-borne illness.  Other safety tips include --

·         Thaw frozen meats in the refrigerator (allow 1 day for each 5 pounds of weight plus an extra day or two).  Don’t buy a fresh turkey too soon as fresh poultry should be kept in the refrigerator no more than two days before cooking.

·         Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after handling foods.

·         Clean all kitchen surfaces before you begin cooking.

·         Scrub cutting boards with hot soapy water after preparing food to avoid cross contamination.

·         Use a metal stemmed food thermometer to ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature.  Insert probe at the thickest part of the turkey. Food is safely cooked when it reaches a high enough internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria (165°F for turkey).

·         It is recommended that leftovers be refrigerated within 2 hours of serving time. Cool and store food in shallow pans to allow quicker cooling time.

Food-borne illness is preventable.  If you suspect a food-borne illness, contact MCDH for investigation.  Staff can be reached at 815-334-4585, Monday - Friday from 8am to 4:30pm.  For after hour emergencies, call 815-344-7421.   Visit www.foodsafety.gov for other tips.

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“Working to prevent disease and promote health and safety for all people of McHenry County since 1966.”