Health Tip: Practice Food Safety at Parties

Serve a buffet safely

(HealthDay News) -- Nothing can ruin a party or holiday get-together like a foodborne illness, so take care to treat your guests to foods that won't send them running home.

The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service offers these suggestions for safe party-food serving:

  • Make sure all food is cooked thoroughly before serving.
  • Store prepared foods in shallow pans so they cool quickly and evenly. Reheat and serve small amounts on platters while the remaining food stays hot in the oven.
  • Don't let food stay at room temperature for more than two hours.
  • Use chafing dishes, warming trays or slow cookers to keep foods hot.
  • Surround dishes of cold foods with ice.
Diana Kohnle

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