for eMaxHealth(NC) - Eating good food is key to holiday celebrations. During the holidays, we prepare, handle, serve, and store food in greater quantities, for more people, and for longer periods of time, so there may be increased risk of foodborne illness. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has developed safe food handling tips to help decrease the risk of foodborne illness. Here is a sampling of the food safety tips available on the CFIA Web site:
- It is always important to keep foods out of the danger zone, which is between 4 C (40 F) and 60 C (140 F). To do this, just keep hot foods hot - at least 60 C (140 F) - and keep cold foods cold - at 4 C (40 F) or lower.
- Remember the "2-hour rule" when entertaining with a large meal or buffet. Don't let perishable foods linger for longer than two hours in the danger zone.
- Prepare foods quickly, cook them thoroughly and serve them promptly. Keep hot foods in the oven or in crockpots, chafing dishes, or on warming trays.If transporting hot food, wrap it in foil or heavy towels, or carry it in insulated containers with hot packs to maintain a temperature of at least 60 C (140 F). Transport cold foods in a cooler with ice or freezer packs so the food remains at 4 C (40 F) or lower.
- Home-prepared products using oil can be made safely by adding only dehydrated ingredients (like dried herbs and spices) to the oil. These products can be kept at room temperature. If they are made with fresh ingredients (fresh basil, peppers, mushrooms, or garlic) they should be kept refrigerated at all times and must be discarded after one week.
- Popular holiday beverages, such as apple cider, mulled cider and other drinks made from cider, may contain harmful bacteria if the cider is unpasteurized. Use only pasteurized cider.
- While it is tempting to leave turkey and other foods at room temperature for snacking after a meal, you should refrigerate leftovers promptly in uncovered, shallow containers so they cool quickly. Once food has cooled, cover and return to the refrigerator.
More information on safe food handling practices is available on the CFIA Web site at www.inspection.gc.ca and click on Consumer Centre.
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- News Canada
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