Super Bowl LVIII is just around the corner and football fans are gearing up for an exciting game day. While the thrill of watching the game with friends and family is unmatched, it is important to prioritize food safety during this highly-anticipated event. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has some game-changing tips to ensure that your Super Bowl Sunday is a successful and safe one.
The big game day is incomplete without food, and whether you’re ordering delivery or hosting a gathering at home, it’s crucial to take necessary precautions to prevent foodborne illness. After all, no one wants to spend this special day on the sidelines due to food poisoning.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 48 million people get sick from foodborne illnesses every year in the United States, and football parties can be a prime time for these illnesses to occur. This Super Bowl Sunday, let’s make sure that we don’t fumble when it comes to food safety.
First and foremost, proper hand hygiene is essential while handling food. This means washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. In case you are out at a restaurant or ordering food, make sure to sanitize your hands before and after eating. Additionally, it’s important to keep all surfaces, utensils, and serving platters clean to avoid cross-contamination.
When ordering takeout or delivery, make sure to check the food for safe temperature. Hot food should be above 140°F while cold food should be kept at a temperature below 40°F. If the food is not at the recommended temperature, it should be reheated or refrigerated immediately.
In case you’re cooking for a crowd, it’s important to follow food safety guidelines. Make sure to cook meat, poultry, and seafood to their recommended internal temperatures to kill harmful bacteria. A meat thermometer can be your best friend in this scenario. Foods such as casseroles should be heated to an internal temperature of 165°F, while pork, ground beef, and poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
One common mistake people make during big game parties is leaving perishable foods (such as dips, cheese, and meat trays) out at room temperature for long periods of time. This can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and cause food poisoning. It’s recommended to not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours. After that, they should be refrigerated to prevent bacteria growth.
Another tip for a safe Super Bowl Sunday is to avoid cross-contamination. This happens when raw meats and their juices come in contact with ready-to-eat foods. To prevent this, it’s important to use separate cutting boards, utensils, and plates for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods. If you are reusing marinades or sauces used on raw meats, make sure to boil them before using them again.
It’s also important to keep an eye on leftovers. They should be refrigerated or frozen after the game is over to ensure their safety. Leftovers should be consumed within 3-4 days or discarded to avoid any risks of foodborne illness.
Food safety should be a priority for everyone, even on a day as exciting as the Super Bowl. Implementing these simple tips can ensure that you score a touchdown when it comes to food safety and your party is not intercepted by any foodborne illnesses.
Apart from these precautions, there are also some important food safety tips for those attending a party at someone else’s home. If you’re a guest, make sure to bring an appetizer or dish that doesn’t require refrigeration. This can ease the burden on the host and ensure that there are enough safe options for everyone to enjoy.
Another tip is to avoid double-dipping. It may seem harmless, but it can spread germs and bacteria from one person to another. Instead, use separate spoons for each dip or spread.
With these simple precautions in mind, you can be sure that your Super Bowl Sunday will be a win for both you and your guests. By following these food safety guidelines, you can enjoy the game and the delicious food without any worries.
In conclusion, as we gear up for Super Bowl LVIII, let’s make food safety a priority and prevent any fumbles on game day. Remember to practice proper hand hygiene, cook foods to their recommended temperatures, avoid cross-cont
