Jasper County
Health Department
106 E. Edwards St.
Newton, IL 62448
HOURS:
Mon. - Fri.
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Late appointments for other services will be scheduled as needed.
PUBLIC HEALTH
(618) 783-4436

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
(618) 783-4154

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(618) 783-5206
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         ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTOR'S NOTES


SUPER BOWL PARTY FOOD SAFETY

Football, food and friends are great American traditions and the Super Bowl brings them together on one day. Whenever you combine large amounts of food with a large gathering of people, there are some important items for the host and guests to remember.

Because Super Bowl parties can last for several hours, certain foods left at room temperature for too long enter the so called "Danger Zone," between 41°F and 135°F.  The "Danger Zone" is the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to grow and multiply.  While football has the 'two-minute' warning, the food safety arena has the 'two-hour' rule.

One of the biggest food safety mistakes people tend to make during these types of gatherings is to let perishable food items sit out for far too long. The main thing to remember while serving party food is that hot food needs to stay at a temperature at or above 135 degrees and cold food should always be at or below 41 degrees.  Foods like meats, cheeses, cut fruit and vegetables and dips should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours.

Parties will go on for several hours, and food is often put out early for guests to munch on before and during the big game. But scientists say any foods -- hot or cold -- that have been at room temperature for more than two hours can easily become contaminated by bacteria and cause illness.

When serving food use a variety of methods to ensure food maintains the necessary temperatures. Serve hot foods in a slow cooker or use a warming plate. Cold foods can be served on ice by placing the serving bowl inside a bowl with ice.
 

Take some time to consider when people will be most likely to eat the food. If it's not until halftime then make sure the food stays hot or cold until then. Also, serve food in smaller amounts. Don't overwhelm guests with a large spread. When things run out, replace them with the extras prepared and stored in the refrigerator or oven. This will ensure the food hasn't been left out, and it prevents wasting large amounts of food.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 783-5206.

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