Is it really the big game without the chicken wings, the pizza and the chips and dip?
If you’re hosting or attending a Super Bowl party tonight to watch the Seahawks and the Patriots duke it out, chances are you’ll have an assortment of snacks nearby.
Ahead of the big game, The United States Department of Agriculture has guidance on keeping that food safe for consumption.
During a multi-hour football game, according to the USDA, food is often left out unheated and uncooled, which can lead to issues with the formation of bacteria.
“Each year millions of Americans get sick from foodborne illness – commonly called food poisoning,” the release reads. “These illnesses result in roughly 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
The USDA offers five quick tips to keep food safe:
- Be safe with takeout food
- Follow the two-hour rule
- Wash hands effectively
- Use a food thermometer
- Store leftovers properly
The release directs food safety questions to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline, reachable at 1-888-674-6854. You can also ask questions at ask.usda.gov or by emailing MPHotline@usda.gov.
Cody Thompson
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