During the Super Bowl on February 13, the USDA wants to remind football fans to be careful with their food. 

“Anytime friends and families get together for the big game, please remember to keep food safety in mind,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. 

Unlike other holidays when meals are consumed rapidly, Super Bowl fans often snack throughout the game. 

Perishable foods like chicken wings and meatballs can only be left out for two hours before bacteria begin to multiply to illness-causing levels. 

Safety tips include washing hands for 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry. 

Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils to avoid cross-contamination. 

Confirm that foods are cooked at a safe temperature and chill foods that aren’t consumed immediately after cooking. 

Use a food thermometer to make sure cooked foods hit the appropriate internal temperature. Discard perishable foods if they’re left out longer than two hours.

(Story Courtesy of NAFB News Service)