Food Safety Tips

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Food Safety Tips
KY Tech Health/Food Tip 48
The holidays are fast approaching and we all
need to remember a few food safety tips to keep
us healthy during this festive time of year.
Thaw food properly this means in the
refrigerator, microwave or in a sink of cold
water. Do not thaw food on the table or counter
top! Keep HOT foods HOT. Hot foods should
be kept above 140 degrees. This can be checked
using an inexpensive cooking thermometer. Cook
foods to 180 degrees to kill harmful bacteria.
Keep COLD foods COLD. Cold foods should be
kept below 40 degrees. Keep perishable foods
refrigerated. Refrigerators should be set between
35-40 degrees. Freezers should be set below 0.
Freezing food will slow down the growth of
bacteria, but does NOT kill it. Do not refreeze
frozen foods unless ice crystals are still
present. Never leave food at room
temperature for more than 2 hours. Wash all
fresh fruits and vegetables in plenty of cold
running water to remove all sprays. Be sure
to cover and store all foods properly. If in
doubt, throw it out. Its always better to
discard food instead of taking a chance on
getting sick.
November 14, 2005
Ruth GrayCulinary Arts InstructorCaldwell Co.
ATC E-mail DonnaR.Gray_at_ky.gov