JOLIET, IL — With September crowned as National Food Safety Month, the Will County Health Department has teamed up with the CDC to ensure your game day celebrations remain free of any unexpected mishaps.
Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team from your living room or setting up the ultimate tailgate, here are the CDC’s must-follow food safety guidelines:
- Keep it Clean: Always wash your hands, your kitchen tools, and surfaces before diving into meal prep.
- Temperature Matters: When cooking, ensure chicken hits at least 165°F and ground beef reaches 160°F. Using a food thermometer can be a game-changer.
- Time’s Ticking: Perishable foods shouldn’t sit out for over two hours. But if the thermometer’s hitting 90°F or above, that window shrinks to just an hour.
- Serving Smart: Ensure hot foods stay at or above 140°F and cold items remain at a chilly 40°F or below.
Remember, a safe game day spread is a winning play every time!
