Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate5 Food Safety Tips for Your Next Gathering
Whether you're hosting a casual get-together, a family celebration, or a watch party, food is always at the center of the fun. To keep your guests happy and healthy, it’s important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent illness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends these key tips to ensure your spread is both delicious and safe.
1. Keep It Clean
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after handling food. Clean all surfaces, including cutting boards, countertops, utensils, and dishes, with hot, soapy water. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly—even those with skins or rinds—and scrub firm produce like potatoes and carrots with a clean kitchen brush.
2. Prevent Cross-Contamination
Keep raw meats, poultry, and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods in your grocery cart, bags, and refrigerator. Use one cutting board for fresh produce and a different one for raw proteins. Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat, and be mindful of flour residue when using raw ingredients.
3. Cook to the Right Temperature
A food thermometer is your best tool for ensuring meat, poultry, seafood, and egg dishes reach the minimum safe internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
4. Keep Food at Safe Temperatures
Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours of purchasing or cooking—or within one hour if the temperature is 90°F or higher, such as at an outdoor event. Keeping food at the right temperature helps prevent bacteria from multiplying.
5. Serve Smart
Keep cold foods chilled at 40°F or below and hot foods heated to 140°F or above. If you’re setting up a buffet, serve smaller portions and refresh dishes as needed rather than leaving everything out for long periods. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours to keep them safe for later.
Following these simple food safety steps will help ensure your gathering is memorable for all the right reasons!
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