Party Planning for Memorial Day Should Include More Than Menu and Guests

     Party planning for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend should include more than a menu and invited guests. A metal-stemmed thermometer is as much a party essential as matching plates and napkins. McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) wants you to practice safe food handling by keeping “hot things hot (>135 degrees) and cold things cold (<41 degrees)” to reduce your risk of a food-borne illness. Other safety tips include --
    *Thaw frozen meats in the refrigerator.
    *Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after handling foods.
    *Clean all kitchen surfaces before you begin cooking.
    *Scrub cutting boards with hot soapy water after preparing food to avoid cross contamination.
    *Use a metal stemmed food thermometer to ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature. Food is safely cooked when it reaches a high enough internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria (see below).
    *Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of serving time.
     Insert the thermometer into the center of the thickest part (away from the bone) of the meat. When cooking casseroles and egg dishes, place the thermometer into thethickest portion, making sure the thermometer does not touch the bottom of the pan.     Metal stemmed thermometers can be purchased at grocery, hardware anddepartment stores.
Food-borne illness is preventable. If you suspect a food-borne illness, contact MCDH at 815-334-4585, Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30 pm. For after hour emergencies, call 815-344-7421. Visit http://www.fightbac.org/content/view/6/11/ for other food safety tips.