The holiday season, a time for gratitude and feasting, is synonymous with sharing hearty meals with loved ones. However, the joy of this time of year can be marred if proper food safety practices are not observed. Ensuring that your feasts are delicious and safe requires a mindful approach. From handling soups and stews to dealing with raw produce and eggs, these tips will guide you in safeguarding your holiday spread from foodborne illnesses.

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Tips for Practicing Food Safety:

Chill Soups and Stews Properly

As you prepare bountiful servings of steaming soups and stews, be wary of the bacterial danger zone between 40 and 140 degrees F. The CDC recommends avoiding leaving perishable food at room temperature for more than two hours. Kim Rose, a registered dietitian, advises cooling large pots adequately before refrigerating them. Divide them into smaller containers or use an ice bath to expedite the cooling process. Ensure your fridge is set to 40 degrees F or lower to maintain a safe environment.

Prewash Raw Produce

While a vibrant tray of raw produce is a healthy addition, washing fruits and vegetables before slicing or peeling is crucial. Neglecting to wash items without edible skins may transfer bacteria to the edible parts. The CDC recommends using running water and a bristle brush for produce with uneven surfaces. Taking this extra step ensures that your raw produce platter is nutritious and safe.

Don’t Let Roasts Rest Too Long

Roasted meats are susceptible to the bacteria Clostridium perfringens. To mitigate this risk, carve or slice meats in the kitchen, place half on a serving tray, and refrigerate the remainder promptly. This precautionary step prevents roasts from becoming breeding grounds for harmful bacteria when left at room temperature for extended periods.

Use Pasteurized Eggs

Holiday favorites like eggnog, hollandaise sauce, tiramisu, and Caesar dressing often contain raw eggs, exposing you to the risk of salmonella. The CDC recommends using pasteurized eggs for these dishes, emphasizing that salmonella can be present both inside and outside the eggs. To prevent cross-contamination, store eggs separately, preferably in their original carton.

Avoid Raw Dough and Raw Eggs or Flour

While cooking and storing foods properly is essential, an often overlooked safety measure is abstaining from consuming raw foods designed to be cooked. Raw cookie dough, raw dough, and items with raw eggs or flour pose health risks. Flour, in particular, can harbor harmful strains of E. coli, causing various illnesses. Ensuring you resist the temptation of consuming these raw elements adds an extra layer of protection to your Thanksgiving celebration.

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These practical tips serve as a guide to not only tantalize taste buds but also ensure the safety of your loved ones through the holidays. From cooling soups diligently to avoiding raw ingredients, incorporating these measures will allow you to revel in the joy of the holiday season without compromising on the well-being of those gathered around your table. May your holidays be filled with warmth, gratitude, and, of course, delectable, safely prepared dishes. If you or your family member experience any health concerns due to food, don't wait. Visit AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen for quality, affordable, and convenient urgent care services seven days a week. Just walk-in today!