What are the most important steps to holiday meal food safety?
• Wash your hands often with warm, soapy water! • Always wash your hands before: • handling foods; • setting the table; and • eating. • Always wash your hands after: • handling raw meats and poultry; • using the toilet or changing diapers; and • handling pets. • Avoid cross-contamination: this occurs when one contaminated food product or its juices comes in contact with another product, contaminating both of them. Some good ways to avoid cross-contamination are: • Always wash hands, cutting boards, utensils and dishes with hot, soapy water between handling different foods; • Keep raw meats and their juices separated and covered; • Cook to proper temperatures (temperatures for specific items will be listed below); and • Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold!