Ensuring safety of holiday meal.

PositionFood - Food handling - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

It's time to relish the flavors of your favorite holiday meal. Before you serve it to your family and friends, though, are you sure it's safe to eat?

According to statistics released by the Federal government, 76,000,000 Americans are sickened each year from food poisoning. Mishandling of food at home contributes to this number. So, as you take out the china and gather your loved ones for that special celebration, make sure these tips from the American Dietetic Association are on your holiday "to do" list:

Wash hands often. Everyone loves to help with the cooking during the holidays, but too many well-intended chefs can mean an increased risk of food-borne illness. Wash hands often and thoroughly in warm, soapy water before, during, and after meal preparation. Bring cheer to hand washing by singing your favorite holiday song for 20 seconds while you lather up.

Keep raw meats and ready-to-eat foods separate. Deck your kitchen with two festively colored cutting boards--one strictly for raw meats and the other for ready-to-eat foods. When juices from raw meats or germs from unclean objects accidentally touch cooked or ready-to-eat foods (such as fruits or salads), cross-contamination can occur.

Cook to proper temperature. Take the guesswork out of cooking your bird by using a meat thermometer. Harmful bacteria are destroyed when food is cooked to proper...

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