Every year in the U.S., an estimated one in six people (or 48 million) get sick and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With the holidays in full swing, it’s prime season for food poisoning.
In this MedDigest article, we’ll guide you on how to navigate the season of indulgence with food without compromising your wellbeing. To that end, you’ll learn about best practices to keep your buffet and party foods not only delicious but also safe for everyone.
While gathering with loved ones is fun, you need to beware of uninvited party guests — foodborne germs. They can crash your buffet and make people sick with food poisoning. To plan a “bacteria-free buffet” when entertaining, follow these easy tips for food safety to mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses this holiday.
Keep It Clean
- Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds before, during, and after preparing food and before eating. Wash your hands after using the bathroom and touching pets.
- Wash your cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and countertops with hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher after preparing each food item.
Cook To A Safe Temperature
- Cook meat and eggs to a safe internal temperature.
- Use a food thermometer to make sure foods are cooked to an internal temperature hot enough to kill germs.
- Hot foods should be kept at an internal temperature of 140 °F or warmer.
- Use a food thermometer to check. Serve or keep food hot in chafing dishes, slow cookers, and warming trays.
Chill Out
- Cold foods should be kept at 40 °F or colder.
- Keep cold foods refrigerated until serving time.
- If food is going to stay out on the buffet table longer than 2 hours, place plates of cold food on ice to retain the chill.
The Two-Hour Rule
- Remember the 2-Hour Rule: Discard any perishables left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, unless you’re keeping it hot or cold.
- If the buffet is held in a place where the temperature is above 90 °F, the safe holding time is reduced to 1 hour.
- Watch the clock with leftovers, too! Whether you’re sending “doggie bags” home with guests or are saving them for yourself, leftovers should be refrigerated as soon as guests arrive home and/or within 2 hours!
Serve Foods Safely
- If preparing food in advance, divide cooked food into shallow containers and store in a refrigerator or freezer. Using shallow containers encourages rapid, even cooling.
- Keep hot foods hot at 140°F or warmer. Use slow cookers, chafing dishes, and warming trays to keep food hot on the buffet table.
- Keep cold foods cold at 40°F or below. Use small serving trays and replace often with fresh platters from the refrigerator, or place serving dishes in bowls of ice so they stay chilled.
For picnics and other outdoor meals, keep cold food in a cooler filled with ice or frozen gel packs until just before serving.
Store and Reheat Leftovers the Right Way
- Divide leftovers into smaller portions or pieces for faster cooling, place in shallow containers, and refrigerate or freeze.
- Leftover foods should be refrigerated at 40°F or below as soon as possible and within 2 hours of preparation. It’s OK to put hot foods directly into the refrigerator in small portions.
- Leftovers should be reheated to at least 165°F before serving. This includes leftovers warmed up in the microwave.
Signs of Food Poisoning
The most common symptoms of foodborne illness are upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and cramps, fever, and headache.
When to See a Doctor
Food poisoning is self-limited. Most of the time, you will get better in a couple of days with hydration, rest, and avoiding caffeine.
However, you should see a health care provider or get emergency care if the following occur:
- Nervous system symptoms, such as blurry vision, muscle weakness and tingling of skin.
- Changes in thinking or behavior.
- Fever of 103° F (39.4° C).
- Vomiting often.
- Diarrhea that lasts more than three days.
- Symptoms of dehydration — excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
Be aware of the signs of food poisoning and know when to seek medical attention. Your health is a priority, and understanding the symptoms can ensure prompt and effective action.
