Keep your family and friends safe on game day with these food safety tips - Director's Blog

This weekend, friends and family are gathering for parties to watch the Big Game, and we want to make sure you and your guests are safe, including from foodborne illnesses .

Here are some tips to keep everyone focused on the game, commercials and enjoying the delicious food:

Check for Recalls: There are currently recalls of soft cheeses sold in Arizona, including Cotija, Queso Fresco, Crema and other cheeses, due to possible Listeria contamination. Check your refrigerator and do not consume anything that may be affected. Please also check our website regularly for food safety updates.

Cleanliness: Washing your hands properly is the easiest way to prevent foodborne illness. Wash your hands before preparing food and after handling raw meat. Use warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel. Be sure to wash cutting boards and clean surfaces that may come into contact with the food you are preparing. Wash fruits and vegetables before laying them out. After all, if you were sick, let someone else prepare the food.

Separate: Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods such as sliced ​​fruits and vegetables. Use separate utensils and cutting boards for these different foods. Provide individual utensils and small plates to discourage guests from eating straight from the plate or double-dipping.

Cook it thoroughly: Foods like chicken and meat should be cooked to a safe internal temperature ; To be safe, use a food thermometer. When heating food in the microwave, follow package directions. Cook chicken to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ground beef and eggs to 155 degrees Fahrenheit; and beef, pork and seafood at 145 F. If you haven't used your thermometer in a while, make sure it's working properly. How to calibrate your thermometer .

Keep it hot/keep it cold: The Big Game can last four hours. If your guests arrive before kick-off, they can stay with you for up to six hours. Some foods can be dangerous if left on the table for so long. If you're cooking before kick-off, you may want to keep some of the food in your fridge and reheat it at halftime. Also be careful with cold foods. Keep them on ice to keep them cool below 41 F during play.

Make it: Leftovers can be a great snack for the next few days. When your guests have finished eating, cool hot, warm foods as quickly as possible and store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer for safe storage. Throw away leftovers after seven days to prevent foodborne illness.

For more information on safe food handling, cleaning tips and more, visit our website .

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