Valentines Dining Out and Food Safety

Valentine’s Day is an occasion many of us dine out for an intimate evening and then maybe see a movie. Don’t let food illness make the occasion memorable for the wrong reasons. Leftovers are only safe for 2 hours at room temperature and won’t last through a movie.

Raw Shellfish Food Safety

Raw shellfish (e.g. oysters, clams, mussels) pose an increased food illness risk  – as they are filter feeders and become contaminated when their waters are polluted with raw sewage and bacteria. Always cook shellfish – i.e., by baking, grilling, or broiling – to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (62.8°C) – as measured with a food thermometer.

Pesticide Residue Dangers and Food Safety

According to test data from the USDA, nearly 70 percent of the produce sold in the U.S. comes with pesticide residues.
Pesticides in our food can be detrimental to our health – and remaining levels of pesticides left on our produce – can cause harm to children short term and adults long term.

Food Safety for Weather Related Power Outages

Prolonged power outages due to severe weather – can also be dangerous when dealing with food safety. When the power and your refrigerator goes out, special food safety measures must be taken. Knowing how to determine and keep food safe – will help reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Food Safety for National Pizza Day

National Pizza Day is observed annually on February 9th and is a great time to celebrate America’s favorite food. It is also a perfect time to understand safe food principles and practices when it comes to perishable foods. Use the hashtag #NationalPizzaDay on social media to find pizza deals and specials!

Norovirus Infections – How can I stay safe?

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus and the most common viral foodborne illness. Norovirus infection is acquired by consuming produce (fruit and vegetables) irrigated with contaminated water contaminated with human or animal feces – or shellfish farmed or harvested in water contaminated with human sewage.
Because only a few norovirus particles can make people sick, infection can also occur by consuming food handled by a person infected with the virus – or being in direct contact with an object, surface, or person that has been infected.

World Cancer Day – Food Safety for Cancer Patients

Each year on February 4th, World Cancer Day unites the world’s population in the fight against cancer.
Having cancer can make people more susceptible to many infections, including foodborne illness. Practice food safety by being vigilant when handling, cooking, and consuming foods.

Leftover Food Safety for Sports Watch Parties

After hosting a big game viewing party, the last thing you want to tackle is the leftovers.  There are some important rules about leftovers that you need to follow to reduce foodborne illness.

Superbowl Party Food Safety Tips

Making party plans for the big football game?  Super Bowl parties are a great way to enjoy the game (and commercials) with your closest friends and family.
Don’t let this food-filled day end in illness. Make sure your football gathering is memorable for all the right reasons!

Food Safety for Your Superbowl Party

Super Bowl Sunday is about much more than football. Good friends – great food – sounds like a good time right? But don’t let this food-filled day end in a food illness. Follow a food safety playbook to help you keep your Super Bowl food both safe and delicious!