The Mesa County Health Department encourages you to follow these easy tips, so your holiday foods don't make you ILL!

Just in case you didn't know"

Food NOT properly stored or SERVED can make you sick.

And we all wanna stay healthy during the holidays, right?!

Avoid:

  • food born illnesses
  • germs
  • parasites
  • and bacteria

By following these tips from the Mesa County Health Department:

  • Wash your hands & sanitize surfaces and utensils before food preparation
    • Keep hands, work surfaces and utensils clean during
  • Wash fruits and vegetables
  • Never leave perishable food out of the refrigerator for more than two hours
  • When shopping: select raw meats & eggs LAST to ensure they stay cold & store them below other foods in the fridge
  • Cook foods to the proper temperature:
    1. Fish, shellfish, beef, pork and lamb should be cooked to 145°F.
    2. Hamburger and sausage needs to be 155°F,
    3. and poultry, stuffed meats and casseroles should be cooked to 165°F.
  • Once cooked:
    • Keep hot food hot (above 140°F)
    • Keep cold food cold (below 40°F)

Potluck Q & A:

  • Can I keep my food hot or cold before & during service within 2 hours?
    • If not, bring food that does not need to be kept at a certain temperature
  • Can I transport the food at a safe temperature?
    • Maintain by using insulated coolers.
    • Prepare hot dishes right before the meal, rather than cooking and cooling in advance.

Reminder:

  • Food is safest within the first two hours after they are cooked.

Now that you know how to keep your food safe unbuckle your belt and DIG IN!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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