food safety

image via {fightbac.org}

Not only is the nutritional quality of our meals important, but the preparation and safety are important to our well-being as well. While most of these may seem like no-brainer basics, some are common mistakes we all make in our kitchens every day. Below are a few safety tips to keep in mind at home by yourself or at holiday and family gatherings:

• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold; hold hot foods at temperatures above 140 degrees F and cold foods below 40 degrees F. The range between 40-140 degrees F is called the Danger Zone due to its optimal bacteria growing nature.
  
• Don't leave food out of the fridge for more than 2 hours.
• Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill- wash hands and surfaces often, don't cross-contaminate, cook to proper temperature, and refrigerate promptly. Here is an easy reference list for safe internal temperatures!
  

For more food safety tips and information, be sure to follow the links above and visit these sites:
foodsafety.gov
fightbac.org
Turkey Tips from ADA