Serve More Than Delicious Holiday Meals

Make sure they are safe to eat.

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) wants you to practice safe food handling as well.  Keeping “hot things hot (>135 degrees) and cold things cold” can reduce your risk of a food-borne illness.  Other safety tips include --

• Thaw frozen meats in the refrigerator (allow 1 day for each 5 pounds of weight plus an extra day or two).  Don’t buy a fresh turkey too soon as fresh poultry should be kept in the refrigerator no more than two days before cooking.
• 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 (165°F for turkey).
• It is recommended that leftovers be refrigerated within 2 hours of serving time.

 Food-borne illness is preventable.  If you suspect a food-borne illness, contact MCDH for investigation.  Staff can be reached at 815-334-4585, Monday - Friday from 8am to 4:30pm.  For after hour emergencies, call 815-344-7421.   Visit www.foodsafety.gov for other tips.