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Essential Food Safety Tips for Super Bowl Sunday

With Super Bowl Sunday just around the corner, many are excitedly preparing for festive gatherings with friends and family. This highly anticipated event is not only about football; it often involves a plethora of delicious snacks, sharing platters, and treats that stay out of the refrigerator for extended periods. However, this can significantly increase the risk of foodborne illnesses, which can certainly put a damper on the fun. To ensure that your game day celebration is both enjoyable and safe, be sure to follow these essential food safety guidelines provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

1. Cleanliness is Key

- Always wash your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling any food, as well as after using the bathroom or touching pets.
- Thoroughly clean cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing each type of food.
- For fruits and vegetables, rinse them under running tap water, even if you plan to peel them. Use a clean brush to scrub those with tough skins.

2. Separate to Prevent Contamination

- Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods while shopping, storing, and preparing.
- Use one cutting board for fruits and vegetables, and another for raw meats to avoid cross-contamination.
- Never place cooked food onto a plate that previously held raw meat, unless it has been properly washed.
- Ensure that raw flour does not come into contact with other food surfaces.

3. Cook Properly

- Always use a food thermometer to ensure that meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs are cooked to a safe internal temperature, eliminating any harmful bacteria.
- When using a microwave, cover your food, stir, and rotate it to ensure even cooking. If your microwave doesn't have a turntable, make sure to turn the dish manually a couple of times during cooking.
- Always allow food to rest before checking the internal temperature using a food thermometer.

4. Refrigerate Promptly

- Ensure that perishable foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and other items are refrigerated or frozen within 2 hours after cooking or purchase, or within 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F, like in a hot car or trunk.
- When storing leftovers, use shallow containers to allow for faster cooling in the refrigerator.

5. Serve Safely

- Keep hot foods at a temperature of 140°F and above and cold foods at 40°F or below.
- If hosting a buffet, consider serving smaller portions instead of a full spread all at once. Prepare several smaller trays that can be replaced with fresh ones throughout the event.
- Avoid adding fresh food to a platter that is already filled; instead, swap out nearly empty serving bowls with fresh ones.
- Monitor how long leftovers remain unrefrigerated. Any takeaway food should be refrigerated immediately after arriving home or within 2 hours.

By following these food safety principles, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable Super Bowl Sunday that allows you and your guests to focus on the game and good times without the worry of foodborne illnesses. For further details and claims regarding food safety, visit the FDA's website at www.fda.gov. Cheers to a fun and safe Super Bowl celebration!