Food Safety 101 for the Christmas Season

During the holidays, leftovers often accumulate in the refrigerator, so you must store them properly to keep them fresh and avoid bacteria. Put large portions in smaller containers so they cool faster, refrigerate perishables within two hours of cooking, and eat them within three to four days.

Fremont, CA: Christmas is a time of excitement and anticipation, but it's also essential to ensure food is safe so you don't get sick during the holiday season. It's crucial to adhere to proper food handling and storage practices, such as timely leftover storage, thorough meat cooking, and good hygiene. This article has tips on ensuring your food stays safe and enjoyable during Christmas.

Thawing Safely

It isn't always possible to thaw frozen ingredients at room temperature, so make sure you do it safely to prevent bacteria from growing. Christmas recipes often call for defrosting turkeys, hams, or roasts. Thawing in the refrigerator gradually or using cold water and changing the water every 30 minutes is the best method. You shouldn't thaw food at room temperature, as it's too risky.

Proper Cooking Temperatures

Check the temperature of your meat, poultry, and casseroles to ensure they're delicious and safe. If you're cooking poultry, such as turkey or chicken, you can ensure they're at least 165°F (74°C) inside.

Safe Food Handling

It's no secret that cross-contamination is a big deal during the holidays. Keeping your Christmas culinary creations safe is essential by properly handling food, washing your hands often, designating separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables, and keeping your kitchen surfaces clean and sanitized.

Storage and Leftovers

During the holidays, leftovers often accumulate in the refrigerator, so you must store them properly to keep them fresh and avoid bacteria. Put large portions in smaller containers so they cool faster, refrigerate perishables within two hours of cooking, and eat them within three to four days. To keep leftovers fresher, label containers with the date and freeze them.

Mindful Buffet Practices

To ensure a safe Christmas buffet, keep hot foods at 140°F or 60°C or higher using chafing dishes or hot plates, refrigerate cold dishes like salads and desserts, and use ice or chilled platters. You need to watch buffet items closely and replenish them to ensure that they do not sit out at room temperature for long periods.