Secure leftovers and steer clear of bacteria

by Jolene Toves

Guam - With Christmas Day comes not only presents but tables full of food and that means there will be a lot of leftovers which can spell disaster if not properly handled prior to being re-served therefore it is important to keep food safety in mind to prevent foodborne illness from ruining the festivities.

Cleanliness is key the first rule of safe food preparation in the home is to keep everything clean. Remembering to wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after handling any food. It is also important to wash food counter surfaces and rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

Secondly don't give bacteria the opportunity to spread from one food to another this s called cross contamination and can easily be prevented by separating food. Never use one cutting board to prepare raw meat poultry or seafood and then use it to prepare fresh produce. Always keep seafood roasts, hams and other meats and their juices separate from other side dishes when preparing meals. Then when it's time to get cooking make sure all food is safely cooked by checking the internal temperature with a food thermometer. For poultry, ground meat and leftovers the temperature should reach 165 degree Fahrenheit while fresh beef and pork should be cooked to 145 degrees to kill any harmful bacteria. And when the meal is finished make sure to refrigerate leftovers quickly because harmful bacteria grows rapidly at room temperature. Rule of thumb is to refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Remember to never defrost at room temperature instead thaw frozen foods safely in the refrigerator, under cold water or in the microwave. Following these four key steps will ensure your leftovers do not spoil quickly and your family doesn't fall victim to a foodborne illness.

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