DON'T INVITE BACTERIA TO YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Jim Meyer, Nutrition Specialist, Ralls County University Outreach and Extension Center

When celebrating the holidays, be sure to keep an eye out for an uninvited guest - bacteria that can cause food borne illness. Many people like to invite friends and family over for a holiday feast so it is important to practice safe food handling techniques when entertaining during the holiday season.

Dinner parties and buffets are always very popular around the holidays. Foods that are left out for long periods can be an ideal setting for bacteria to multiply. During this busy time of year, you must remember to take special precautions to keep food safe.

There are four basic food safety steps to help reduce the risk of foodborne illness:

~ CLEAN, wash hands and surfaces often;
~ SEPARATE, don't cross-contaminate;
~ COOK, cook to proper temperatures; and
~ CHILL, refrigerate promptly.

When preparing buffets and party platters, be sure to practice these safety steps to protect your family and friends.