Kitchen Companion - Your Safe Food Handbook

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Food Safety Inspection Service
PDF Version

“Food safety.” You hear a lot about it . . . and you know a lot about it. But as with any comprehensive topic, there may be simple steps that are second nature that you’ve practiced forever — like hand washing — and then there may be current or updated information that is less familiar, or that may have changed since the last time you looked.

That’s what Kitchen Companion: Your Safe Food Handbook is all about. This food safety handbook contains all the basic information you need to know about food safety . . . some old, some new . . . and all in one place.

Between the information-rich chapters and the easy index in the back, Kitchen Companion will likely answer all of your food safety questions. But if not . . . don’t miss the food safety contact information. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is always there to help.

So read on . . . and Be Food Safe.

About USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)

FSIS is the public health agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that is responsible for ensuring that the Nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and processed egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged.

FSIS focuses on inspecting and protecting the U.S. food supply . . . and educating consumers about safe food handling and reducing the risks of foodborne illness.

Visit FSIS online at www.fsis.usda.gov.

table of contents

Foodborne Bacteria
Shopping for Food
Storing Food
Food Preparation
Cooking Food Safely
Special Guidelines for Certain Food
Specific Preparation and Cooking Methods
Serving Food Safely
Transporting Food
Food Safety for Food-by-Mail
Food Safety in an Emergency
Food Safety Contacts

foodborne bacteria

There are two kinds of foodborne bacteria: one that spoils your food and one that makes you sick. It’s good to be familiar with both . . . but it’s critical that you follow safe food handling practices to keep the second one at bay.

Spoilage Bacteria

Spoilage bacteria are bacteria that cause food to go bad — in other words, to “spoil.” With spoilage bacteria, the food looks or smells funny or bad, so you know to throw it out. These bacteria can grow at lower temperatures — even in the refrigerator. But while they can make food unappealing and inedible . . . they do not usually cause illness.

Pathogenic Bacteria

These are the ones you need to watch out for — in fact, it’s pathogenic bacteria that the food safety precautions throughout this handbook are intended to prevent. You can’t see, smell, or taste these pathogens — and this makes them difficult to detect. What’s more, they cause a variety of foodborne illnesses — and can make you really, really sick.

Pathogenic Bacteria: The Cause of Foodborne Illness

Pathogenic bacteria cause illness — and they can get in food in a number of ways. Sometimes these bacteria occur naturally and are destroyed by cooking food to safe temperatures. Pathogenic bacteria can also end up contaminating food when proper guidelines for cleaning hands, surfaces, and utensils and for avoiding cross-contamination are not followed.

• Different bacteria are present in different foods . . . and some are more common in certain situations.
  For example, Salmonella is most often found in poultry or eggs, whereas E. coli is more typically found in or on meats and vegetables. Meanwhile, Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens frequent people’s hands — and even buffet lines.
• Throughout this Handbook, you’ll find effective strategies for preventing illness from pathogenic bacteria. Food safety is extremely important and should be practiced with every meal you eat or prepare. The Major Pathogens chart gives greater detail regarding the most common foodborne bacteria . . . where they are found . . . and what they can do if ingested.

Foodborne Illness: Know the Signs and Symptoms . . . and Take Action

The signs and symptoms of foodborne illness range from upset stomach, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dehydration to more severe illness — even death. If you become ill and believe your illness is due to a food product:

• Seek treatment as necessary.
  Contact your doctor — especially if symptoms persist or become severe (bloody diarrhea, excessive nausea and vomiting, or high fever). For victims in an at-risk group (pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborns, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems), seek medical care immediately.
• Call your local health department
  if the suspect food was served at a large gathering, at a restaurant or other food service facility, or if it is a commercial product.

Major Pathogens That Cause Foodborne Illness Chart

shopping for food

For consumers, food safety most likely begins in the supermarket aisle. Whether you’re doing a quick trip to pick up dinner ingredients . . . or tackling a week’s worth of grocery shopping all at once, there are a few easy steps you can follow to ensure that the food you bring home will arrive there safely.

At the Store

• Select cold food last.
  Picking up perishable food like meat, poultry, and eggs at the end of your shopping trip ensures that they stay refrigerated until right before checkout.
• Read the label.
  Don’t buy food that is past the “Sell-By,” “Use-By,” or other expiration dates. (See About Food Labels.)
• Check the packaging.
  Never choose meat or poultry with packaging that is torn or leaking. Make sure frozen food is frozen solid and refrigerated food feels cold.
• Buy clean eggs.
  At the store, choose refrigerated Grade A or AA eggs with clean, uncracked shells before the “Sell-By” or “EXP” (expiration) date on the carton. When purchasing egg products or egg substitutes, look for containers that are tightly sealed.
• Inspect fresh produce.
  Don’t buy fresh fruits or vegetables that are bruised or damaged. Make sure freshcut fruits and vegetables are displayed in refrigerated cases at the store. If not . . . don’t buy them.
• Place meat, poultry, and seafood in plastic bags.
  By bagging these foods before placing them in your cart, you’ll guard against cross-contamination — which can happen when raw meat or poultry juices drip on other food, spreading bacteria from one food to another.
• Separate foods in your grocery cart.
  Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and their juices away from other food to further prevent the possibility of crosscontamination. Keep them separated during checkout and in your grocery bags, too.

Transporting Groceries

Once your groceries are packed for the trek home, there are some easy “timing” tips you should follow to continue to maintain their safety.

• Go straight home.
  Plan to drive directly home from the grocery store. Don’t leave groceries in the car while you run other errands. The key is to always refrigerate perishable food within 2 hours. This is true of all perishable food and in all situations — and is known as the “2-Hour Rule.”
• Do a “Weather Check.”
  When the outside temperature reaches 90 °F, you should refrigerate your purchased perishables more quickly — within 1 hour. If your grocery store is more than a half hour away from home, bring a cooler when you go shopping. Pack your meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs in a cooler for the drive home.

Arriving Home

When you get home, don’t get caught up reading the mail! Unload your groceries right away to keep them safe, and refrigerate or freeze all perishables.

About Food Labels

Product Dating

The dates on labels have different meanings. Here’s how to decipher them:

“Sell By” date: Tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before the date expires.

“Best If Used By” (or Before) date: Recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date.

“Use-By” date: The last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product.

Closed or Coded dates: Packing numbers for use by the manufacturer. If a product is not “dated,” consume perishable ready-to-eat food soon after purchasing it, and no more than 3 to 5 days after opening it.

Safe Handling Instructions

These guidelines on raw meat and poultry provide specific information for handling and preparation. Following these instructions is particularly important for consumers in at-risk groups.

storing food

The food you store falls into three basic “storage categories.”

• Perishable food: in the refrigerator (read the label if you’re not sure)
• Frozen food: in the freezer
• Shelf-stable food: in a clean, dry place

Refrigerated Perishable Food

Food safety is the best reason ever to “chill out”! Follow these basic guidelines to protect your perishables — and yourself and your family. And remember: always refrigerate perishable food within 2 hours (1 hour when the temperature is above 90 °F).

• Raw Meat, Poultry, and Seafood:
  Place in containers or sealed plastic bags to prevent their juices from dripping onto other food in the refrigerator. This could cause cross-contamination. If you’re not planning to use the food within a day or two, freeze it.
• Cooked, Whole Stuffed Poultry:
  See storing cooked poultry.
• Eggs:
  Store in the original carton and place in the main compartment of the refrigerator — not in the door. When ready to use, do not wash them. (Read more about Eggs.)
• Produce:
  Store perishable produce in the refrigerator. Throw away fresh fruits and vegetables that have not been refrigerated within 2 hours of cutting, peeling, or cooking. If any fruit or vegetable has touched raw meat, poultry, or seafood and will not be cooked immediately, do not eat it. Throw it away.
• Leftovers:
  Refrigerate (or freeze) leftovers within 2 hours in clean, shallow, covered containers to prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying. (See more on Leftovers.)

Frozen Food

For long-term storage of many perishable foods, rely on the freezer. Food stored constantly at 0 °F or below will always be safe. Only the quality suffers with lengthy freezer storage.

Freezer Facts

• Preventing Freezer Burn: Freezer burn — white, dried-out patches on the surface of meat — won’t make you sick, but it does make meat tough and tasteless. Here’s how to avoid it:
  — Wrap freezer items in heavy freezer paper, plastic wrap, freezer bags, or foil.
  — Date all freezer packages. Use the oldest food first.
  — Place new items toward the back of the freezer — that way, older items are easier to access and you’ll use them first.
• Refreezing Thawed Food: If food is thawed in the refrigerator, it is safe to refreeze it without cooking. (See Thawing section.) However, there may be a loss of quality due to the moisture lost through defrosting.
• Freezing Cooked Food: After cooking raw food that was previously frozen, it is safe to freeze the cooked food. In addition, if previously cooked food were frozen and then thawed in the refrigerator, you may refreeze the unused portion.
• Prevent Moisture Loss: To maintain quality when freezing meat and poultry in its original packaging, overwrap the package with foil or plastic wrap that is recommended for use in the freezer.

Cold Storage Chart

Shelf-Stable

Food Food that doesn’t need to be refrigerated or frozen must still be stored with care. Follow these basic guidelines and you’ll have food safety in the bag (or can)!

• Where: Store canned food and other shelf-stable products in a cool, clean, dry place. Never put them above the stove, under the sink, in a damp garage or basement, or any place exposed to high or low temperature extremes.
• How Long: In general, you can store high-acid food such as tomatoes and other fruit for 12 to 18 months; low-acid food such as meat and vegetables, 2 to 5 years.
• Care and Cautions for Cans: Discard cans that are dented, leaking, bulging, or rusted. Can linings might discolor or corrode when metal reacts with high-acid food such as tomatoes or pineapple — but as long as the outside of the can is in good shape, the contents should be safe to eat. Keep in mind, though, that the taste, texture, and nutritional value of the food can diminish over time. (Also see In Case of Flood.)

food preparation

Food safety doesn’t end with buying, transporting, and storing food safely. In fact, once you have food home . . . the safety of your food is, literally, in your hands. Follow these basic guidelines — and remember, safe food preparation always begins with “clean.”

Keeping It Clean

Handwashing

• Always wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before beginning food preparation, after handling food, and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or touching pets.
• Use gloves to handle food if you have a cut or infection. Do not sneeze or cough into food.

Surfaces and Utensils

Harmful bacteria can spread throughout the kitchen and get onto cutting boards, utensils, and countertops — causing “cross-contamination.” Keep raw meat, poultry, fish, and their juices away from other food — especially ready-to-eat food.

• Wash cutting boards, dishes, and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item and before you go on to the next item.
• After cutting raw meat, poultry, and seafood, wash cutting boards, knives, and countertops with hot, soapy water.

Cutting Boards

Proper cutting board “care-and-feeding” is a key component of preventing cross-contamination. Here’s how:

• Always use a clean cutting board for food preparation.
• Try to use one cutting board for fresh produce — and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
• Sanitize cutting boards with a freshly made solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water.
• Once cutting boards become excessively worn or develop hardto- clean grooves, replace them.

Kitchen Cleanup

• Use hot, soapy water and a clean dishcloth (or paper towels) to clean kitchen surfaces and wipe up spills.
• Wash dishcloths often in the hot cycle of your washing machine.

Preparation Tips for Produce

Fresh fruits and veggies are nutritional mainstays. Here’s how to make sure they’re safe:

• Before eating or preparing, wash fresh produce under cold running tap water to remove any lingering dirt. This also reduces bacteria that may be present. Firm produce (like apples or potatoes) can be scrubbed with a brush.
• Don’t wash fruits and vegetables with detergent or soap. These products are not approved for use on food. You could ingest residues from soap or detergent absorbed by the produce.
• Remove and throw away bruised or damaged portions of fruits and vegetables when preparing to cook them or before eating them raw.

Thawing

Going from “frozen to thawed” needs to be accomplished safely! There are three ways to thaw — and because bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature, none of these methods involve the kitchen counter.

In the Refrigerator: This is the safest way to thaw meat and poultry. Take the food out of the freezer and thaw it in the fridge. Place it on a plate or in a pan to catch any juices that may leak. Normally, it will be ready to use the next day.

In Cold Water: For faster thawing, put the frozen package in a watertight plastic bag and submerge it in cold water; change the water every 30 minutes. The cold water slows bacteria that might be growing in the thawed portions of the meat while the inner areas are still thawing. Once thawed, cook it immediately.

In the Microwave: Follow instructions from the oven’s manufacturer or owner’s manual. Cook immediately after thawing in the microwave.

Refreezing Tips:

• Meat and poultry that have been fully defrosted in the refrigerator may be refrozen before or after cooking.
• If thawed in cold water or in the microwave, always fully cook before refreezing.

(Also see Storing Food: Frozen Food.)

cooking food safely

Cooking food to a safe temperature is the best way to ensure safety. That’s because when food reaches a safe minimum internal temperature, bacteria that may be lurking are destroyed. Sound complicated? It’s not. It’s as easy as using a food thermometer.

About Food Thermometers

Food safety experts agree: food is safe to eat when it is cooked or reheated to a high enough temperature to kill the harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness.

The only accurate way to know if food is cooked safely is to measure the internal temperature of cooked meat, poultry, and egg products with a food thermometer. You can’t tell by looking — use a food thermometer to be sure. Color and texture are not reliable indicators of safely cooked food.

How to Use a Food Thermometer

1. Place the food thermometer in the thickest part of the food.

• Make sure it’s not touching bone, fat, or gristle.
• For whole poultry, insert the thermometer into the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.
• For combination dishes, place the thermometer in the center or thickest portion of the food. Egg dishes and dishes containing ground meat or poultry should be checked in several places.

2. Wait the amount of time recommended for your particular type of thermometer (See Food Thermometers and Temperature Indicators).

3. Compare your thermometer reading to the Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart to determine if your food has reached at least a safe internal temperature.

4. Clean your food thermometer with hot, soapy water before and after each use!

Food Thermometers and Temperature Indicators and Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart

Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart

For oven roasting guidelines, see the roasting charts for turkey and meats and other poultry.

Avoid the “Danger Zone”— Keep Hot Food Hot After Cooking

The possibility of bacterial growth is greater when food cools because the drop in temperature allows bacteria to thrive. There are two ways to keep cooked food from entering the “Danger Zone”:

• Don’t Interrupt Cooking: Interrupted cooking allows partially cooked food to cool down . . . and may encourage bacterial growth before cooking is complete. To avoid this, make sure to cook food all the way through the first time.
• Keep Food at Holding Temperatures: If you aren’t going to serve food right away, it’s important to keep it at 140 ºF or above. Once food is safely cooked on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a microwave oven, keep food hot by using a heat source. Place food in chafing dishes, on warming trays, or in slow cookers. Check the temperature frequently to make sure food stays at or above 140 ºF.

(Also see Focus On: The “Danger Zone” and Special Guidelines for Certain Food.)

special guidelines for certain food

In addition to the basic cooking guidelines (see Cooking Food Safely) — there are some food-specific tips that can help you take special care with your culinary favorites.

Ground Meat and Poultry

Ground meat and poultry receive more handling than any other cut of meat or poultry. This means that hamburger has the opportunity for the introduction of more foodborne bacteria, too. Be diligent with general safe food handling guidelines, and keep these buying tips in mind:

• When you purchase ground beef, it should be cherry-red (or purple-red, if in vacuum packaging).
• Return any package that has an unusual odor when you open it. special guidelines for certain food

Ham

Even though it is cured — for example, smoked, aged, or dried — ham can still contain foodborne bacteria. Follow these tips to keep it safe:

Storing:

• Refrigerator:
  — Store sliced or whole ham in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
  — Use slices within 3 to 4 days; whole ham within a week.
  — Most canned hams should be refrigerated. Be sure to check the label!
  — Observe “Use-By” dates on hams sealed at the plant; use store-wrapped cooked ham portions within 3 to 5 days.
• Freezer:
  Ham tends to lose flavor and texture when frozen. If you do need to freeze it, wrap it tightly in freezer paper or plastic freezer bags and use it within 1 or 2 months.

Cooking:

First and foremost, read the label.

• “Fully cooked” ham can be served “as is” — hot or cold. If reheating, cook to 140 °F.
• Fresh ham (labeled “Cook before eating”) and other fresh pork must be cooked to 160 °F.

Roasts

Sit-down dinners and special occasions aren’t only about turkey! There are many other types of roasts that become the stars of the dinner table. Use these guidelines to “make the most of your roast” . . . safely.

Cooking Your Roast

Roasting is the recommended method for cooking tender meats.

To roast, meat is placed on a rack in a shallow, uncovered pan and is cooked by the indirect, dry heat of an oven. To keep the meat tender and minimize shrinkage due to the evaporation of moisture, an oven temperature of 325 °F should be used.

• Boned and rolled meat require more cooking time per pound than bone-in cuts because it takes longer for the heat to penetrate through the solid meat. Rolled, tenderized, or scored cuts of meat should be cooked to 160 °F.
• USDA does not recommend cooking meat and poultry at oven temperatures lower than 325 °F. This can cause food to remain in the “Danger Zone” (temperatures from 40 to 140 °F) too long, allowing bacteria to multiply rapidly. (See Turkey and Other Poultry.)

Watch Temperatures Closely

Fat content (or a lack of it) affect the cooking times of a variety of meats — so keep a close eye on your roast to avoid overcooking, and use a food thermometer. And remember — regardless of the size of the roast, it still must be cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Roasting Chart

Turkey and Other Poultry

No doubt about it, millions of Americans view holiday time as “turkey time.” Of the millions of turkeys produced every year, 30 percent are served at Thanksgiving and Christmas. But no matter when you are preparing and serving your turkey — gobble up these important facts first!

Choosing Your Turkey

When selecting your turkey, allow 1 pound of turkey per person for fresh or frozen; 11/4 pound per person for frozen pre-stuffed.

• Frozen: Make sure you have adequate space in your freezer.
• Fresh: Purchase it 1 to 2 days before cooking. Refrigerate on a tray or in a pan to catch any juices that may leak.
• Frozen Pre-stuffed: Check packaging for the USDA or State mark of inspection, which ensures that it has been processed under controlled conditions. Follow package directions carefully for storage and cooking. DO NOT THAW before cooking. Cook from the frozen state.
• Safety Alert: Do not buy a fresh pre-stuffed turkey, as bacteria spreads easily from the bird to the stuffing.

Thawing Your Turkey

For basic food thawing recommendations, see the Thawing section. In addition, keep these turkey-specific timelines and tips in mind:

• In the Microwave: Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the size turkey that will fit into your oven, the minutes per pound, and the power level to use for thawing. Remove any outside wrapping and place on a microwave-safe dish to catch any juices that may drip. Cook immediately after thawing.
• For Frozen Turkeys: Forget to thaw? It’s safe to cook a turkey from the frozen state. Keep in mind that cooking will take at least 50 percent longer than with a fully thawed turkey.
• About refreezing: Decide not to cook? A turkey that has been safely thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen safely.
• After thawing, poultry may be left in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.

Turkey Thawing Chart: Approximate Timelines

Stuffing Your Turkey

• For more even cooking, cook your stuffing outside the bird in a casserole dish. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the stuffing. The center should reach 165 °F.
• If you choose to stuff your turkey, keep wet and dry ingredients separate and combine just before stuffing.
  — If preparing ahead of time, chill all of the wet ingredients (butter/ margarine, cooked celery and onions, broth, etc.).
  — Mix wet and dry ingredients just before filling the turkey cavities. The stuffing should be moist, not dry, since heat destroys bacteria more rapidly in a moist environment. Fill the cavities loosely.
  — Cook the turkey immediately. Use a food thermometer to make sure the center of the stuffing reaches 165 °F.

Stuffing Other Poultry

Just as with turkey, it’s important to take special precautions with other stuffed poultry to ensure they reach a safe minimum internal temperature. Bacteria grow particularly well in starchy or “bready” foods. In raw poultry, it can get into the stuffing, which in turn may not heat to safe temperatures when deep inside the bird. See Stuffing Your Turkey.

Roasting Your Turkey

• Set your oven temperature no lower than 325 °F. Place your turkey or turkey breast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan, and use the Turkey Roasting Chart as a guide.
• If you’re using an oven roasting bag, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions!
• Cook to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F throughout the bird.
• Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.
• For reasons of personal preference, you may choose to cook to higher temperatures.
• If your turkey has a “pop-up” temperature indicator, also check the internal temperature of the whole poultry in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast to make sure it has reached at least 165 °F.
• Let the turkey stand for 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to set. The turkey will carve more easily.

Leftover Turkey

Storing Leftover Turkey

Turkey connoisseurs agree: the leftovers are the best part! Here’s how to store them safely:

• Cut the turkey into small pieces. Refrigerate stuffing, turkey, and gravy separately in shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking (or 1 hour in temperatures above 90 °F). If left out longer, discard.
• Use leftover turkey, stuffing, and gravy within 3 to 4 days; or freeze these foods. Use frozen leftovers within 2 to 6 months for best quality.

Reheating Leftover Turkey

If you choose not to go the “cold turkey” route, use these guidelines for reheating.

• In the Oven
  — To keep the turkey moist, add a little broth or water and cover.
  — Set the oven temperature no lower than 325 °F. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165 °F— use a food thermometer to check.
• In the Microwave
  — Cover and rotate the turkey for even heating. Allow standing time.
  — Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer to make sure it reaches 165 °F.

Turkey Roasting Chart: Approximate Times

Cooking a Frozen Turkey: The cooking time will take at least 50% longer than recommended for a fully thawed turkey (see Turkey Roasting Chart: Approximate Times Chart). For chicken roasting instructions, see the Roasting Chart.

Alternate Ways to Cook Turkey

Eggs and Egg-Rich Food

Eggs can be part of a healthy diet. However, they are perishable just like raw meat, poultry, and seafood — and just like these foods, they must be properly refrigerated in the store and at home and cooked for safety. So get cracking!

Storing:

• Refrigerate Eggs. Take eggs straight home and store them in their original carton in the refrigerator. Follow the 2-Hour Rule: Never allow eggs to be unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours.
  — Place them in the coldest part of the refrigerator
  — not in the door, where they’d be exposed to warmer air every time the door is opened.
  — If any eggs cracked on the way home from the store, break them into a clean container, cover tightly, refrigerate, and use within 2 days.
• Keep Easter/Decorated Eggs Refrigerated, Too. Even with egg hunts, the 2-Hour Rule still applies
  — make sure your “hide-and-seek” activities occur within 2 hours (1 hour when the temperature is above 90 °F), and then re-refrigerate the eggs.
• Freeze Beaten Eggs for Longer Storage. Eggs should not be frozen in their shells. To freeze whole eggs, beat yolks and whites together. Egg whites can also be frozen by themselves.

Cooking:

• Cook Thoroughly. To ensure safety, eggs must be cooked until yolks are firm. Scrambled eggs should not be runny.
  — Raw eggs and other ingredients, combined according to recipe directions, should be cooked immediately or refrigerated and cooked within 24 hours.
  — Casseroles and other dishes containing eggs should be cooked to 160 °F as measured with a food thermometer.
  — Serve cooked eggs and dishes containing eggs immediately after cooking, or place in shallow containers for quick cooling and refrigerate at once for later use. Use within 3 to 4 days.
  — If eggs crack during hard cooking, they are safe.
• Never Eat Raw Eggs. This includes “healthfood” milk shakes with raw eggs, Caesar salad, Hollandaise sauce, and any other food, like homemade mayonnaise, ice cream, or eggnog, made from recipes in which the raw egg ingredients are not cooked.
• All egg products (such as liquid eggs) distributed for consumption are pasteurized and may be used in products that will not be cooked. However, egg products are best used in a cooked product, especially if serving high-risk persons (pregnant women, newborns, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems).

Egg Storage Chart

Hot Dogs and Luncheon Meat

Hot dogs and luncheon meat are processed to last longer than other meat, but they can still spoil — or harbor foodborne bacteria. Here are tips for keeping them safe.

Storing:

• Keep unopened hot dogs and prepackaged luncheon meats in the refrigerator in their original vacuum-sealed package for up to 2 weeks.
  — Once opened, rewrap well and use luncheon meats within 3 to 5 days and hot dogs within 1 week.
• You can freeze hot dogs and luncheon meat, but there may be flavor and texture loss after 1 to 2 months.

Leftovers

Leftovers are a staple in the kitchen. But they also need special care to ensure safe storage and reheating. These guidelines will help ensure their safety the “second time around.”

Storing:

• Hot food can be placed directly in the refrigerator, or it can be rapidly chilled in an ice or cold water bath before refrigerating. Cover food to retain moisture and prevent it from picking up odors from other food in the fridge, and use shallow containers for rapid cooling.
• Divide a large pot of food, like soup or stew, into shallow containers before refrigerating.
• A large cut of cooked meat or whole poultry should be divided into smaller pieces and wrapped separately or placed in covered, shallow containers before refrigerating.
• Discard perishable food if it has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if it’s above 90 °F). This includes leftovers that were mistakenly left out overnight.

Reheating:

• Heat leftovers to 165 °F — use a food thermometer to check!
• Bring gravies and sauces to a rolling boil before serving.
• Cover leftovers to reheat. This retains moisture and ensures that food will heat all the way through.
• In the microwave, use a lid or vented plastic, and rotate food for even heating. Beware of “cold spots”; use a food thermometer to check the temperature in several places.

specific preparation and cooking methods

“Making dinner” can go far beyond simply putting a roast in the oven. These basic guidelines will keep your food safe as you use a variety of cooking and preparation techniques.

Marinating

Marinades can enhance the flavor of meat, poultry, or seafood. Follow these tips for marinating safely.

• Marinate in the Refrigerator. Marinating at refrigeration temperatures is the only option for keeping bacteria at bay. Meat and poultry can be marinated for several hours or days to tenderize or add flavor.
• Don’t “Cross-Contaminate.” Sauce used to marinate raw meat, poultry, or seafood should never be used on cooked foods unless it is boiled just before using.
  — Sauce used to marinate contains raw juices — which can, in turn, contain dangerous bacteria.
  — If some of the marinade is to be used as a sauce on the cooked food, reserve a portion of the marinade before putting raw meat or poultry in it.
• Don’t Use Metal. Marinate in glass or plastic. The process may take several hours, so you need a tray or bowl that won’t be affected by acid.

Microwave Cooking

On a hungry night after a long day, a microwave oven can be a cook’s best friend. While saving time in food preparation, it’s still critical to make sure food reaches a safe minimum internal temperature throughout.

• Prep and Cover: Arrange food items evenly in a covered dish and add some liquid if needed. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap; loosen or vent the lid or wrap to let steam escape. The moist heat that is created will help destroy harmful bacteria and ensure uniform cooking. Cooking bags also provide safe, even cooking.
• Avoid Cold Spots: While microwaving is quick, it doesn’t always cook food evenly. Stir or rotate food midway through the microwaving time to eliminate cold spots and for more even cooking.
• Defrost in the Microwave Only if Cooking Immediately. Cover foods with a lid or a microwave-safe plastic wrap to hold in moisture and provide safe, even heating.
• Use Partial Cooking With Care: Partial cooking may be done in the microwave only if the food is to finish cooking immediately, either on the stovetop, grill, or in a conventional oven.
• Observe Standing Times: These are stated in recipes, and they are important for ensuring that the cooking process is completed.
  — Standing times allow internal cooking to continue after the food is cooked in the microwave. They are necessary in order to kill possible foodborne bacteria that may be present in meat and poultry.
  — Try covering food with foil during standing time to retain heat (but don’t use foil in the microwave!).
• Use a food thermometer. Check the temperature in several places to ensure a safe minimum internal temperature has been reached. (For safe temperature guidelines, see the Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart on page 19.)
• No, You Can’t “Can”! Do not use your microwave for home canning. As liquid inside the sealed glass jar heats and expands, pressure can build up, causing the jar to explode.

If you have any questions about proper microwave use, check the manufacturer’s instructions.

Grilling and Barbecuing

Grilling and summer sometimes seem synonymous — even though many cooks use their grills year round, whatever the weather. Whenever or wherever you’re grilling, keep these hot tips in mind.

(Traveling to the cookout? Don’t miss Transporting Food.)

Grilling Guidelines:

• Remember your food thermometer! Meat and poultry cooked on a grill can brown quickly on the outside — use a food thermometer to be sure the food has reached a safe minimum internal temperature.
  (See Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart on page 19, and Food Thermometers and Temperature Indicators on page 18.)
• Consider partial precooking. Partial cooking in the microwave, oven, or on the stove is a good way to reduce grilling time. Just make sure that the food goes immediately onto the preheated grill to complete cooking. Never partially grill meat or poultry and finish cooking it later.
• Use a clean platter for cooked food. Don’t put the grilled food on the same platter that held raw meat or poultry because any harmful bacteria present in the raw juices could contaminate safely cooked food.
  (See also: Cross-Contamination, Marinating, and Serving Food Safely: General Guidelines.)

Smoking

Smoking is cooking food indirectly in the presence of a fire. Smoking is done much more slowly than grilling, so less tender meats benefit from this method — and result in a natural “smoke” flavoring permeating the meat. As with any method of cooking, follow the basic steps for safety before smoking:

• Preparation: Defrost meat entirely — and safely — before smoking. Marinate meat in the refrigerator. (See Thawing and Marinating.)
• Partial Cooking: If you decide to cook food partially in a microwave oven or on the stove to reduce smoking time — make sure that the food goes immediately from the microwave or stove to the hot smoker.
• Two Thermometers: To smoke meat and poultry safely, you’ll need two types of thermometers. Cooking time depends on many factors, and since it can take anywhere from up to 8 hours or longer to smoke meat or poultry, the only way to monitor the safety and doneness is to use the two thermometers.
  — Smoker Thermometer: These are often built in. The smoker thermometer enables you to ensure that the temperature in the smoker stays between 225 and 300 °F for safety.
  — Food Thermometer: Once food is in the smoker, cook until it reaches a safe internal minimum temperature as determined with a food thermometer.
  (See Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart on page 19, and Food Thermometers and Temperature Indicators on page 18.)
• Prompt chilling: If you aren’t taking your smoked food straight to the dinner table, refrigerate meat and poultry within 2 hours after cooking is complete (1 hour when the temperature is above 90 °F). Cut the meat or poultry into smaller portions or slices, place it in shallow containers, cover, and refrigerate. Use it within 4 days, or freeze for later use.

Slow Cooking

In today’s multitasking world, there’s nothing like having dinner cooked for you while you go about your day. That’s the beauty of a slow cooker. As you take advantage of this time-saving wonder, here are tips for keeping your “crock o’ dinner” safe.

• How Slow Cookers Work: As the name implies, the countertop “slow cooker” cooks foods slowly and at a low temperature—generally between 170 and 280 °F.
  — The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time, and steam created within the tightly covered container work in combination to destroy bacteria and make the slow cooker a safe process for cooking foods.
  — While food is cooking and once it’s done, food will stay safe as long as the cooker is operating.
• Preparation: Since the slow cooker may take several hours to reach a safe bacteria-killing temperature, keep perishable ingredients refrigerated right up until preparation time. This keeps bacteria from getting a “head start.”
  — Always defrost meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker.
  — If you cut up meat and vegetables in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator.
  — Keep the lid in place, removing only to stir the food or check for doneness.
• Choose Appropriate Recipes:
  — Prepare foods with a high moisture content such as chili, soup, stew, or spaghetti sauce.
  — If using a commercially frozen slowcooker meal, prepare according to manufacturer’s instructions
  — Fill the cooker to between half full and two-thirds full.
• Slow-Cooker Leftovers: Store leftovers in shallow, covered containers and refrigerate within 2 hours after cooking is finished. Reheating leftovers in a slow cooker is not recommended. However, cooked food can be brought to steaming on the stove top or in a microwave oven and then put into a preheated slow cooker to keep hot for serving.
• If the Power Goes Out:
  — If you are not at home and the power goes out, throw away the food even if it looks done.
  — If you are at home, finish cooking the ingredients immediately by some other means: on a gas stove, on the outdoor grill, or at a house where the power is on. If the food was completely cooked before the power went out, the food should remain safe up to 2 hours in the cooker with the power off.

serving food safely

“Dinner is served!” More than ever, this happens in a wide variety of places, both indoors and out. But no matter where your meal is taking place . . . safety must still be the first item on the menu.

General Guidelines: Whatever or Wherever You’re Serving!

• Keep Hot Food Hot & Cold Food Cold. Whether you are in your kitchen or enjoying the great outdoors, there are some food safety principles that remain constant. The first is “Keep hot food hot and cold food cold” to keep foods out of the “Danger Zone.”
  (See Focus on: The “Danger Zone”.)
• Keep Everything Clean. It’s a fact that bacteria from raw meat and poultry products can easily spread to other foods by hands, utensils, or by juices dripping from packages.
  — When transporting raw meat or poultry, double-wrap or place the packages in plastic bags to prevent juices from the raw product from dripping on other foods.
  — Always wash your hands before and after handling food, and don’t use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meat and poultry.
  — Soap and water are essential to cleanliness, so if you are going somewhere that will not have running water, bring water with you or have disposable wipes on hand.
  (See Cross-Contamination.)
• Remember the 2-Hour Rule: Perishable food should never be left in the “Danger Zone” for more than 2 hours. This includes both hot food and cold food. If it’s been more than 2 hours (or 1 hour in temperatures above 90 °F) — discard the food.
• Be Cool: If you are traveling with cold food, bring a cooler with a cold source. It is difficult to keep food hot without a heat source when traveling, so it’s best to cook food before leaving home and refrigerate and transport cold.
  (See Transporting Food.)

Buffets . . . Cooking for Groups

Food sitting out for extended periods of time is a recipe for potential disaster. In addition to the basics for temperature and cleanliness, follow these guidelines when cooking for and/or serving groups:

• Safe Advance Prep: If you’re getting ready ahead of time, be sure to cook food to a safe minimum internal temperature. (See Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart on page 19.) Divide cooked food into shallow containers to store in the refrigerator or freezer until serving. This encourages rapid, even cooling.
  — Reheat hot food to 165 °F and maintain at a safe temperature of 140 °F or above.
  — Don’t risk cross-contamination: place food on clean platters. Arrange on several small platters rather than on one large platter, and keep all platters cold in the refrigerator until serving time.
• Remember the “Temperature Rules”: Keep hot food hot (140 °F or above) with chafing dishes, slow cookers, and warming trays. Cold food should be held at 40 °F or below, so keep food cold by nesting dishes in beds of ice. Or use a series of small serving trays and replace them often.
  — Replace empty platters — don’t refill them. Discard food that has been sitting out and may have been handled by many people.
• 2-Hour Rule: As always, perishable food should not be left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour when the temperature is above 90 °F). Be sure to keep this in mind as the party rocks on — and when in doubt, throw it out.
  (Also see Transporting Food.)

Take-Out and Delivered Food

With take-out or delivered food, the cook gets to take a shortcut with meal preparation — but not with food safety. Basic guidelines still apply.

Hot Take-Out or Delivered Food

• Hot Food Hot . . . Hot food must be kept out of the “Danger Zone” — and that means that just keeping it “warm” is not enough.
  — If you aren’t going to eat it right away, use a food thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the food — and don’t let it drop below 140 °F. A preheated oven, chafing dishes, preheated warming trays, or slow cookers may be used to keep food hot.
  — If you plan to eat at a later time, take-out or delivered food should be divided into smaller portions or pieces, placed in shallow containers, and refrigerated. Reheat to 165 °F as you would any leftover. (See Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart on page 19.)

Cold/Refrigerated Take-Out or Delivered Food

. . . And Cold Food Cold. Cold food should be kept at 40 °F or below. Refrigerate perishable food as soon as possible, always within 2 hours after purchase or delivery.

— If the food is in air temperatures above 90 °F, refrigerate within 1 hour.
— When take-out or delivered food is purchased cold for an outdoor event—like a picnic, sporting event, or outdoor buffet—a cooler with ice is a practical alternative to a refrigerator. The cooler should be packed with plenty of ice or frozen gel packs. Keep the cooler in the shade when possible.

transporting food: coolers, picnics, and bag lunches

When it comes to food, you can take it with you — but you need to do it safely, too. Whether you’re tailgating, picnicking, or just packing your lunch, start with a clean cooler or lunch pack and begin by preparing food using standard “clean” practices. (See Food Preparation.) In addition, follow these special guidelines to keep your packed food safe . . . wherever your travels take you.

Bag Lunches

Bag lunches aren’t just for school kids! No matter where you’re carrying to, pack only the amount of perishable food that can be eaten at lunch to avoid worrying about the storage or safety of leftovers.

Cold Food:

• Prepare cooked food, such as turkey, ham, chicken, and vegetable or pasta salad, ahead of time to allow for thorough chilling in the refrigerator. Try preparing it the night before!
• Freezing sandwiches helps them stay cold — but for best quality, don’t freeze sandwiches containing mayonnaise, lettuce, or tomatoes; add these ingredients later.
• In your lunch bag: once the cold source thaws, perishable food is no longer safe. Discard it.
• Types of Lunchboxes: Insulated, soft-sided lunchboxes or bags are best for keeping food cold, but metal or plastic lunchboxes and paper bags can also be used — just remember that an ice source (such as a gel pack or frozen juice box) should be packed with perishable food in any type of lunch bag or box. If using paper lunch bags, create layers by double-bagging to help insulate the food.

Hot Food:

• Use an insulated container to keep food like soup, chili, and stew hot. Fill the container with boiling water, let it stand for a few minutes, empty the water out, and then put in piping hot food. Keep the insulated container closed until lunchtime to keep the food hot. For safety, it needs to stay at 140 °F or above.
• If you’re reheating lunch in a microwave onsite, cover food to hold in moisture and promote even heating. Reheat leftovers to at least 165 °F; food should be steaming hot. Cook frozen convenience meals according to package instructions.

Coolers

The cooler is the key to keeping cold food out of the “Danger Zone”! Use an insulated cooler with sufficient ice or ice packs to keep the food at 40 °F or below.

Packing:

• As you prepare, divide large amounts of food into shallow containers for fast chilling and easier use. Keep cooked food refrigerated until it’s time to leave home.
• Pack food right from the refrigerator into the cooler immediately before leaving home.
  — For your cold source: use frozen gel packs or ice. A block of ice keeps longer than ice cubes. Or, in advance, freeze clean, empty milk cartons filled with water to make blocks of ice. Add the ice first, then the food.
• Pack smart! Pack usable quantities in reverse order:
  — The first foods packed should be the last foods to be used. (There is one exception: Pack raw meat or poultry below ready-to-eat foods to prevent raw meat or poultry juices from dripping on the other foods.)
  — Take foods in the smallest quantity needed (e.g., a small jar of mayonnaise).
• Consider packing drinks in a separate cooler so the food cooler is not opened frequently.
• It is important to pack an appliance thermometer in your cooler. Since the food in the cooler should be kept at 40 °F or below, you need to be able to monitor it.
• Before you leave home, find out if there’s a source of clean water at your destination. If not, bring water for preparation and cleaning. Or, pack clean cloths and moist towelettes for cleaning surfaces and hands.

Placement:

• At your destination, keep the cooler in the shade, and try to insulate it with a blanket, tarp, or poncho. Keep the lid closed and avoid repeated openings. Replenish the ice if it melts.
• Remember that the rule for keeping food safe changes during warmer weather. While food can be kept out of the cooler for 2 hours at normal temperatures, if the weather is above 90 °F outside, food should be returned to a cooler or refrigerated after only 1 hour.
  (See Focus On: The Danger Zone.)

Party’s Over?

• Discard all used food packaging and bags — they could contaminate other food and cause foodborne illness, so don’t reuse them.

Discard all perishable foods if there is no longer ice in the cooler, or if the gel packs are no longer frozen.

(See also: Serving Food Safely and Grilling and Barbecuing.)

food safety for food-by-mail

Whether you’re a giver or a receiver, food sent by mail is more popular than ever. But food safety still matters — especially with perishable foods. With a little groundwork, you’ll be assured that the contents of the package on the doorstep are safe to eat.

Mail-Order Food:

Before ordering, confirm that the company sends perishable items (like meat or poultry) cold or frozen and packed with a cold source. It should be packed in foam or heavy corrugated cardboard and should be delivered as quickly as possible — ideally, overnight.

Also, take these precautions to ensure safe shipping:

• Proper Labeling: Confirm that perishable items and the outer package will be labeled “Keep Refrigerated.”
• Alert the Recipient: Let him/her know if the company has promised a delivery date. Or, alert the recipient that “the gift is in the mail” so someone can be there to receive it. Don’t have perishable items delivered to an office unless you know it will arrive on a workday and that there is refrigerator space available for keeping it cold.
• All Perishables Need Refrigeration: Even if a product is smoked, cured, and/or fully cooked, it still is a perishable product and must be kept cold.
• When You’re the Recipient: When you receive a food item marked “Keep Refrigerated,” open it immediately and check its temperature. The food should arrive frozen or partially frozen with ice crystals still visible.

Temperature Caution: Whoever the recipient is, if perishable food arrives warm, notify the company. Do not consume the food. If you suspect it may not have been properly chilled, don’t even taste it.

food safety in an emergency

Keeping the food supply safe is important at all times — but sometimes, it is a greater challenge than others. These situations include power outages, natural disasters, and other emergencies. So be prepared . . . and be food safe.

Product Recalls

When meat and poultry products are recalled, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service notifies the public through a press release. The recall is posted on the FSIS Recall Web site.

These recall announcements include:

• Description of the food
• Identifying codes, including the plant number (found in the USDA Inspection Mark on the label)
• Reason for the recall
• Name of the producer
• Distribution information
• Health risk
• Contacts at FSIS and the company

Recall Rules of Thumb:

• If you discover that you have a recalled product in your home, do not consume it. Instead, return it to the place of purchase or discard.
• If you become ill from a recalled product, contact a physician.

Power Outages

It’s a simple fact of modern life: sometimes the power goes out. This could be for a variety of reasons . . . but the actions to preserve your food remain the same.

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. The idea is to keep cold air inside – so don’t open the doors any more than necessary.
  — If your freezer is not full, group packages so they form an “igloo” to protect each other. Place them to one side or on a tray so that if they begin thawing, their juices won’t get on other foods.
  — If you think the power will be out for several days, try to find some dry ice. Keep it wrapped and do not touch it with your bare hands. Or, use cubed or block ice.
  — If your power is out due to a snowstorm, don’t place frozen foods outside. The sun’s rays can thaw frozen food even when the temperature is very cold. In addition, animals could discover your stash.
• Instead, take advantage of the cold temperatures by making ice outside. Fill buckets, empty milk cartons, or cans with water and leave them outside to freeze. Then put the “homemade ice” in your refrigerator, freezer, or coolers.
• Keep an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer at all times. This will remove the guesswork of just how cold the unit is because it will give you the exact temperature. The key to determining the safety of food in the refrigerator and freezer lies in knowing how cold they are.
  — In general, refrigerated items should be safe up to 4 hours.
  — Discard any perishable food that has been above 40 °F for 2 hours or more. (See Focus on: The Danger Zone.) Also, discard any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture, or feels warm to the touch. Never taste a food to determine its safety!
• With frozen food: check for ice crystals! The food in your freezer that partially or completely thaws before power is restored may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is 40 °F or below.
  — A full freezer will stay at safe temperatures about 2 days; a half-full freezer about 1 day.
  — When the power comes back on, you will have to evaluate each item separately. When in doubt, throw it out.

In Case of Flood

• Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water.
• Discard any food that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with flood water. Food containers that are not waterproof include those with screw-caps, snap lids, pull tops, and crimped caps. Also discard cardboard juice/milk/baby formula boxes and home-canned foods if they have come in contact with flood water, because they cannot be effectively sanitized.
• Inspect canned food and discard any food in damaged cans. Can damage is shown by swelling, leakage, punctures, holes, fractures, extensive deep rusting, or crushing/denting severe enough to prevent normal stacking or opening with a manual, wheel-type can opener.
• Undamaged, commercially prepared foods in all-metal cans and retort pouches (e.g., flexible, shelf-stable juice or seafood pouches) can be saved if the can is properly cleaned and treated.
• For instructions on how to salvage all-metal cans and kitchen items, visit A Consumer's Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes.

In Case of Fire

The general rule of thumb is to discard food that has been near a fire.

• Food in cans or jars may appear to be okay, but heat from a fire can activate food spoilage bacteria. If the heat is extreme, the cans or jars themselves can split or rupture, leaving the food unsafe.
• Toxic fumes released from burning materials can get inside food. Discard any raw food or food in permeable packaging — cardboard, plastic wrap, screw-topped jars, bottles, etc. — stored outside the refrigerator.
• Food stored in refrigerators or freezers can also become contaminated by fumes. The refrigerator seal isn’t airtight and fumes can get inside.
• Chemicals used to fight the fire contain toxic materials and can contaminate food and cookware.
  — Food that is exposed to chemicals should be thrown away because the chemicals cannot be washed off the food. This includes food stored at room temperature and food stored in permeable containers, like cardboard and screw-topped jars and bottles.
  — Cookware exposed to fire-fighting chemicals can be decontaminated. Wash it in soap and hot water, then submerge it for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water.

Food Safety Contacts

USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline:
1-888-MPHOTLINE (1-888-674-6854)
TTY: 1-800-256-7072
E-mail: mphotline.fsis@usda.gov
Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, year round
Thanksgiving Day: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET
Recorded food safety messages available 24 hours a day

USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Web Sites:
“Ask Karen,” FSIS’s Web-based automated response system — available 24/7 at askkaren.gov
befoodsafe.gov
www.fsis.usda.gov — online 24 hours, 7 days a week

U.S. Government Food Safety Web Site:
www.foodsafety.gov

¡Hablamos Espanol!

Hay disponible información en español sobre Inocuidad Alimentaria de ambas maneras, electrónicamente y por teléfono.

Llame al teléfono:1-888-674-6854
Visite la página principal electrónica: www.fsis.usda.gov/en_espanol/index.asp

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250–9410, or call (800) 795–3272 (voice) or (202) 720–6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

February 2008