By: Richard L. Smith
As football fans gear up for Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is offering key advice to ensure a safe and enjoyable game day feast.
The USDA emphasizes that safely serving friends and family is crucial to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses.
USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Emilio Esteban highlighted the importance of food safety during Super Bowl parties.
Simple measures like not leaving food out for more than two hours and maintaining proper temperatures for hot and cold foods are essential to keep guests safe.
Key USDA Tips for Super Bowl Sunday:
- For takeout or delivery, ensure timely collection and refrigeration of uneaten food.
- Adhere to the two-hour rule: perishable foods should not be left in the Danger Zone (temperatures between 40°F and 140°F) for over two hours.
- Keep hot foods above 140°F using warming trays or slow cookers, and keep cold foods below 40°F by serving them in small portions or using ice containers.
- Store Super Bowl leftovers safely: they should last three to four days in the refrigerator. Reheat to a safe internal temperature of 165°F, and bring liquid foods like soups to a boil.
- Follow the Four Steps to Food Safety: Clean hands and surfaces often, separate raw meats from other foods, cook to the right temperature and chill foods promptly.
According to a recent USDA study, a staggering 96% of handwashing attempts were ineffective, underlining the need for proper hand and surface sanitation.
Following these guidelines can help ensure that your Super Bowl celebrations are memorable for all the right reasons.