Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is reminding all residents to practise safe food handling as they gather with family and friends this holiday season.
Wondering how you can keep your food safe?
Start with a clean slate
- Wash your hands thoroughly before, after, and between preparing different foods.
- Ensure all surfaces, cutting boards, utensils, and dishes are clean and sanitized.
- Wash fruit and veggies before serving, even if you peel them.
Watch the temperature
- Cook foods to the proper temperature.
- Keep hot food hot (60°C or more).
- Keep cold foods cold (4°C or less).
Avoid the danger zone
- Never let food sit in the temperature danger zone (4 °C to 6 °C).
- Even cooked food may become unsafe to eat in the danger zone!
- Thaw food in the fridge, not on the counter.
- Cool food quickly by dividing leftovers into smaller portions and refrigerate them quickly.
- Reheat food to its original cooking temperature.
- If leftovers have stayed out too long, cooking again won’t necessarily make them safe.
These simple food safety tips will help ensure you don’t invite food borne illnesses to your holiday gathering. For more information on food safety, visit hpePublicHealth.ca.
