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USDA Offers Food Safety and Nutrition Advice for Your Super Bowl Party
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Matt Baun (301) 344-4743
Steven Cohen (202) 720-9113
WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2007 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing consumers with
food safety and healthy eating recommendations in anticipation of Super Bowl parties that will held around the country.
Super Bowl Sunday is often recognized as the second biggest single day of food consumption in the United States after
Thanksgiving. Like other holidays where food plays a prominent role, food safety should be a prime consideration
to ensure that gatherings are healthy and happy events.
"Football, food and friends are great American traditions and the Super Bowl brings them together on one day,"
said USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Richard A. Raymond. "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 40°F and 140°F. Raymond noted that the "Danger Zone"
is the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to grow and multiply.
To combat the risk of foodborne illness, Raymond encouraged those who are hosting parties to learn the four
key messages that are part of USDA's Be Food Safe campaign:
- Clean - Wash hands and surfaces often.
- Separate - Don't cross-contaminate. Keep raw meat and poultry apart from cooked foods.
- Cook - Use a food thermometer to be sure meat and poultry are safely cooked. Steaks
should be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F, ground beef should be cooked to 160°F
and all poultry should be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Also remember to keep
hot foods hot. If hot food has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours, do not eat it.
- Chill - Refrigerate or freeze promptly. Keep cold foods cold. If cold foods have been
sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours, do not eat it.
USDA is also encouraging football fans to make sure there are healthful and nutritious foods on the menu. While a
one day splurge isn't likely to have long-term negative health consequences, USDA reminds consumers that a healthy
diet and regular exercise are the keys to good health.
"You can have a great Super Bowl Party while eating foods that are healthful, nutritious and strike the right
balance," said USDA Under Secretary for Food Nutrition and Consumer Services Nancy Montanez Johner.
"What is important is to choose the foods and physical activities that are right for you."
Montanez Johner encouraged consumers to learn more about healthful diet and exercise by visiting www.mypyramid.gov.
Here you can get a quick estimate of what and how much you need to eat and the amount of physical activity you need
to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle.
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Last Modified:
January 26, 2007 |
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