The holidays are a time to gather, share delicious meals, and enjoy treats with the people we care about. But nothing ruins a celebration faster than foodborne illness. Many common holiday food traditions land on the “Naughty” list when it comes to food safety and you might be surprised by some of them. WDG Public Health Inspectors are busy all year long inspecting food vendors to ensure the food they serve is safe for public consumption. Here are a few tips from our resident food safety experts to keep your holiday meals merry, safe and off the naughty list.
Don’t thaw your turkey on the counter
Thawing your turkey on the counter may seem convenient, but the outer layers defrost much faster than the inside and can reach the temperature danger zone (between 4°C and 60°C), where bacteria multiply quickly.
Nice List Tip: Plan ahead and thaw your turkey in the fridge. Bonus tip: always store raw or defrosting meat on the bottom shelf. This prevents juices from dripping onto fresh food.
Don’t wash the turkey
While it may be a tip passed down that you watched your grandparents and parents do, washing your turkey is both unnecessary and unsafe. Washing poultry spreads bacteria in your sink and around your kitchen. Cooking is what kills germs, not a bath.
Nice List Tip: Skip the rinse and go straight to the oven.
Keep hot foods hot when travelling
If you’re bringing a pre-cooked hot dish to a holiday gathering, wrapping it in a towel won’t keep them hot enough for long.
Nice List Tip: Use insulated carriers to keep hot food hot or cook or reheat your dish once you arrive.
Skip the cookie dough taste test
This is a tough one. But we’re sorry to report that eating raw cookie dough is a holiday no-go. Raw eggs and even raw flour can contain harmful pathogens that can make you and your family sick.
Nice List Tip: Bake first, then indulge, or use edible, egg-free dough.
Follow the 2-hour rule
It’s easy to get carried away chatting and laughing with family and friends, but don’t forget about the food sitting out on the counter. Whether at home or a potluck, bacteria multiply fast on foods left out too long.
Nice List Tip: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Cool leftovers quickly
This is a common misconception. Waiting for food to cool down on the counter before putting it in the fridge gives bacteria a head starts to begin multiplying.
Nice List Tip: Put leftovers into shallow containers, which helps them cool faster, and refrigerate right away.
Reheat leftovers properly
Nothing hits better than a plate of holiday leftovers on Boxing Day. But make sure to heat to 74°C to kill bacteria.
Nice List Tip: Use a food thermometer to be sure.
Be careful with “outdoor fridges”
A cooler on the deck might seem helpful when the fridge is full, but winter temperatures can swing outside the safe range and can be affected by sun exposure.
Nice List Tip: Keep temperature-controlled foods in the fridge or a cooler packed with ice and check temps often. Put beverages on the patio to keep cold to make room for food in the fridge.
Label your leftovers
Keep track of what’s safe to eat and when to toss.
Nice List Tip: Label and date containers; future you will thank you!
Dining out? Check em’ out!
If you plan to hit the town and dine out at a local restaurant, be sure it has been inspected by Public Health.
Nice list tip: Visit checkbeforeyouchoose.ca to view the inspection reports from all your favourite spots. Don’t see it on the website? Red flag! This means they have not been inspected by Public Health and could pose a food-safety risk.
Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season
With a few simple steps, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from foodborne illness while still enjoying all your favourite festive foods. Stay well and eat safely this holiday season!