Bacon wrapped hotdog with the works. (Photo by Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
As millions of fans gather for Super Bowl parties filled with takeout and game-day favorites, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is urging hosts to keep food safety top of mind to prevent foodborne illness.
What they're saying:
"When food is served throughout the Super Bowl, it can be easy to lose track of how long it’s been sitting out," USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Mindy Brashears, said in an online news release. "As Americans gather to enjoy the game, keeping food hot or cold and serving it promptly helps protect family, friends, and guests from foodborne illness."
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Super Bowl food safety tips
Dig deeper:
Many popular Super Bowl foods — including pizza, chicken wings, hamburger sliders and chili — should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, according to the USDA.
The agency warns that foods kept in the "Danger Zone," between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, can allow bacteria to multiply to unsafe levels and increase the risk of foodborne illness.
Other tips include:
Handle takeout and delivery safely
- Use insulated bags if travel time is over an hour.
- Serve food promptly or refrigerate until reheating.
- Keep hot foods at 140°F or above.
- Reheat meat and poultry to 165°F; bring soups and sauces to a boil.
- When microwaving, stir and check for cold spots.
Keep food out of the Danger Zone
- Serve food in small batches so it’s not left out more than two hours.
- Discard perishable food left out longer than two hours.
- Keep cold foods at 40°F or below and hot foods at 140°F or above.
Use a food thermometer
- Cook whole meats to 145°F (with rest), ground meats to 160°F, poultry to 165°F, eggs to 160°F, fish to 145°F, and leftovers to 165°F.
- Check multiple items, such as chicken wings, to ensure safe temperatures.
Follow the four steps to food safety
- Clean: Wash hands and sanitize surfaces.
- Separate: Avoid cross-contamination.
- Cook: Use a thermometer to confirm safe temperatures.
- Chill: Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
What you can do:
Consumers with food safety questions can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov. The hotline is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Source: The information in this story comes from a news release issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, which outlined food safety guidance ahead of the Super Bowl. This story was reported from Los Angeles.