Whether you’re planning a small summer cookout or a big holiday celebration, a camping trip or a potluck dinner, make sure your plans include food safety.
- Parties and Large Groups
- Back to School
- Spring Holidays
- Summer Vacation
- Super Bowl
- Thanksgiving
- Weddings
- Winter Holidays
Parties and Large Groups
When food for parties and large groups is prepared in different locations by different people, how can you make sure that everyone prepares and stores food safely? Consult these guidelines:
- Cooking for Groups: A Volunteer's Guide to Food Safety (USDA)
- Easy Tips for Food Safety When Entertaining (FDA)
- Food Safety for Buffets and Parties (CDC)
Bag Lunches for School and Work
Bacteria that cause food poisoning grow rapidly at temperatures between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). To make sure perishable lunches and snacks are safe, pack them with two cold sources. Store them in a refrigerator or cooler on arrival, if one is available.
- Keeping Bag Lunches Safe (USDA)
Spring Holidays
Whether you celebrate Easter, Passover or Mother’s Day, spring is a time for hosting holiday lunches or dinners with your family and friends, or for eating out. Follow these simple tips for food safety.
- Easy Tips for Food Safety When Entertaining (FDA)
- Food Safety and Dining Out (CDC)
- Salmonella and Eggs (CDC)
- Egg Safety: What You Need to Know (FDA)
Summer and Vacation
Foodborne illnesses tend to increase during the summer months because bacteria multiply faster when it’s warm. People also cook outside, away from refrigerators, thermometers, and sinks more often. Stay healthy and safe by following these food safety guidelines:
- Grilling and Food Safety (USDA)
- Smoking Meat and Poultry (USDA)
- Food Safety While Hiking, Camping & Boating (USDA)
- Handling Food Safely While Eating Outdoors (FDA)
- Hot Dogs and Food Safety (USDA)
- How to Grill Safely (CDC)
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is the most popular sporting event in the United States, but some would say that it’s about the food as much as the football. Follow these food safety tips to help you keep your chili, wings, and other nibbles safe and delicious:
- Game Day Food Safety Tips (CDC)
- Safe Handling of Take-Out Foods (USDA)
- Serving Up Safe Buffets (FDA)
Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving meal is the largest that many cooks prepare each year. The following information may help you prepare your special Thanksgiving meal and help you countdown to the holiday.
- Countdown to the Thanksgiving Holiday (USDA)
- Let's Talk Turkey—A Consumer Guide to Safely Roasting a Turkey (USDA)
- Stuffing and Food Safety(USDA)
- Preparing Your Holiday Turkey Safely (CDC)
- Prevent Illness from C. perfringens (CDC)
Weddings
When planning the perfect wedding menu, you can't afford to forget food safety. From the engagement party to the honeymoon, remember these food safety to-do's before saying your "I Do's". Whether catering or DIY, learn how to keep your guests safe.
Winter Holidays
No matter what's on your menu, food is always a central part of holiday festivities. Whether you're an experienced cook, a first-time party host, or bringing a dish to a potluck dinner check out these resources for ensuring that holiday buffets and mail-order food are free from the germs that cause foodborne illness:
- Serving Up Safe Buffets (FDA)
- Mail-Order Food Safety (USDA)
- Roasting Those “Other” Holiday Meats (USDA)
- Tips for Meal Kit and Food Delivery Safety
- Holiday Food Safety (FDA)
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