Common Sense & Food Safety on Holidays

Now, we are heading for several festive occasions. Thanksgiving is the first special occasion this season, and it usually triggers increased food offerings, large crowds and, of course, the return of the "doggie bags." While everyone should consider a basic awareness for food safety when storing and reheating the food in our homes, I am concerned about the hazards during the entire flow of food.

The very important point to consider is holding, cooling, and reheating your food safely. Food is usually displayed for extended time periods and most of them are uncovered. Therefore, special precaution is needed to control temperatures and physical contamination in these situations.

Here are some helpful hints to help you enjoy your holidays:

• Always prepare your foods with clean utensils and equipment. Never use the same utensil or equipment you used in preparing chicken for beef or pork, without first cleaning them properly.

• Thaw chicken or turkey under running cold water or in a refrigerated environment. Never leave it uncovered at room temperature; the likelihood of salmonella poisoning is greater. (Salmonella poisoning is a type of food poisoning from contaminated chicken, turkey, or other meats).

• Maximize food safety by controlling the amount of food served and visitors’ behavior. You can do this by simply describing each dish to your visitors so that they are not as likely to sample or return them. Reheat hot foods to 165 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 minutes before placing them on the table. Cold items should be held at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

• Do not put cold foods near hot foods. Use indirect lighting that won’t raise food temperatures. Always store cold foods in a refrigerated area if not served right away.

• Beware of the Milky Way. Foods that are prepared with mayonnaise, milk or eggs should not be placed at room temperature for an extended period because they spoil easily.

• Protect yourself, family and visitors. Try to cover your foods once your visitors have their first trip to the table. You never know who might accidentally sneeze around your table.

• Prevent cross-contamination. Provide enough serving spoons, forks, tongs or ladles for each item so visitors do not touch the food or use the same ladle for several foods. Place these serving utensils on the food with their handles pointed toward the user.

• Always keep it fresh. Fresh foods should never be placed on top of old foods or vice versa.

• Eating time - do not overstuff your plate. Put smaller portions of different items to have a variety of nutrients. This will not only protect your nice bodily figure, but gives you a well-balanced meal. If possible, use a smaller size plate so that if you think that you can cheat... you might as well cheat the reasonable way. Using a smaller size plate can limit the amount of food you put on the plate while you go for seconds.

• Remember your liquids. Take a sip of your drink after each bite so you can taste the food you eat and to help your stomach recognize the fullness. This will help curve a voracious appetite and prevent overeating.

• Have you overeaten? If you have overeaten, just simply say "sorry" to yourself and take a 30-minute brisk walk daily to burn some of those unwanted calories and get back into your routine. Happy Holidays!

-- Ofelia B. Mutia, M.S.,R.D.,L.D.