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Cooking for Groups / Foodservice

Cooking For Groups | En Español | En Español PDF
This information will help volunteers prepare and serve food safely for large groups such as family reunions, church dinners, and community gatherings. Get the booklet, artwork, and more.
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For General Audiences

Barbecue and Food Safety | PDF | En Español | En Español PDF
Use these simple guidelines for grilling food safely.

Find more helpful information on the four key food safety practices: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill at BeFoodSafe.GOV.

Basics for Handling Food Safely | PDF | En Español | En Español PDF
Lists safe steps in food handling, cooking, and storage; includes a cold storage chart.

Be Safe -- Don't Cross-Contaminate (PDF Only)
Keep raw meat, poultry, fish, and their juices away from other food. After cutting raw meats, wash hands, cutting board, knife, and countertops with hot, soapy water.

Be Smart. Keep Foods Apart. Don't Cross-Contaminate
By following these simple steps, you can prevent cross-contamination and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

The Big Thaw -- Safe Defrosting Methods for Consumers | PDF
Learn about the three safe ways to defrost food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave.

Cleanliness Helps Prevent Foodborne Illness | PDF
By keeping everything clean that comes in contact with food, consumers can be assured they are helping to do their part to Fight BAC!®

Color of Meat and Poultry | PDF
What factors affect the color of meat and poultry? What do color changes mean in terms of food safety?

Common Questions About Food Safety from the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline
Questions and answers under a variety of topics.

Cooking Safely in the Microwave Oven | PDF | En EspañolEn Español PDF
This fact sheet lists the basics for safe microwave cooking or reheating.

Cutting Boards and Food Safety | PDF
To avoid cross-contamination, choose and maintain your cutting boards with food safety in mind.

Do New Products Enhance or Endanger Food?
Facts about thawing trays, solar box cooking, disposable temperature indicators, thermoelectric cooler/warmers.

Doneness Versus Safety
Is "done" the same thing as "safe"? What does it mean to cook to proper temperature?

Door-to-Door Meat Sales | PDF | En Español | En Español PDF
Consumers must know important information about the dealer and the company before making a decision they might later regret.

Everything Counts When It Comes to Protecting Your Family (PDF Only; 1.4mb)
This is an English translation of Todo Cuenta Cuando se Trata de Cuidar a su Familia. See our En Español pages for more Todo Cuenta materials.

Fighting BAC!® by Chilling Out
Cold temperatures keep harmful bacteria from growing.

Food Product Dating | PDF | En Español | En Español PDF
Background information on what dates do and don't tell you about the safety of your food.

Food Safety in the Kitchen: A "HACCP" Approach
Think about preventing safety hazard in the kitchen before problems occur.

Food Safety Tips for College Students | PDF
The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline answers questions from parents or students about the handling and storage of food for college kids.

Food Safety While Hiking, Camping & Boating | PDF | En Español | En Español PDF
Whether you are in your kitchen or enjoying the great outdoors, there are some food safety principles that remain constant.

Freezing and Food Safety | PDF
How to freeze food safely and how long to keep it.

Handling Food Safely on the Road | PDF | En Español | En Español PDF
Plan ahead and pack safely for the camping trip, boat ride, day at the beach or trip in the RV.

High Altitude Cooking | PDF
Food safety considerations for cooking meat, poultry, and egg products at altitudes above 3,000 feet.

Hotline Answers "Panic Button" Food Safety
Questions
| PDF | En Español | En Español PDF
During the holidays, people are busy and can sometimes forget that unsafe handling and cooking can lead to foodborne illness. Here are some questions callers have asked regarding the safety of their holiday foods.

How Temperatures Affect Food | PDF
Keep food out of the Danger Zone between 40° and 140 °F.

Keep Food Safe! Food Safety Basics | PDF
Safe steps in food handling, cooking, and storage are essential in preventing foodborne illness.

Keep Hands Clean! with Good Hygiene (PDF Only)
Colorful 8½ by 5½ card conveys the theme for National Food Safety Education Month 2005.

Keeping "Bag" Lunches Safe | PDF | En Español | En Español PDF
Food brought from home can be kept safe if it is first handled and cooked safely.

Kitchen Companion: Your Safe Food Handbook (PDF, Single Page, 3.3mb) | PDF, Facing Pages (2.8mb) | Alternate Text-Only Version
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.
Mail Order Food Safety | PDF | En Español | En Español PDF
These tips will help the purchaser and recipient determine if their perishable foods have been handled properly.

Meat Packaging Materials
Includes a glossary of packaging terms.

Microwave Ovens and Food Safety | PDF
This comprehensive fact sheet answers all your microwave questions.

Molds On Food: Are They Dangerous? | PDF
Includes a chart, Moldy Food: When to Use, When to Discard. This information is helpful after an extended power outage or a flood.

No-Show Guests Jeopardize Food
When guests encounter emergencies and the meal must be delayed or cancelled, food must be handled "just right" to remain safe.

Refrigeration & Food Safety | PDF
Covers the importance of refrigeration, placement of foods, proper storage temperatures and times.

Safe Handling of Take-Out Foods | PDF | En Español | En Español PDF
Keep take-out and delivered foods safe and store leftovers properly. Download the SIT (Stuffed Image Format) for professional printing.

Slow Cookers and Food Safety | PDF | En Español | En Español PDF
Used correctly, this countertop appliance is safe and convenient.

Smoking Meat & Poultry | PDF | En Español | En Español PDF
Where there's smoke, there's well flavored meat and poultry. Using a smoker is one method of imparting natural smoke flavor to large cuts of meat, whole poultry, and turkey breasts.

Top Ten Reasons to Handle Your Food Safely
Published in honor of the Meat & Poultry Hotline's 10th year of operation.

Washing Food: Does It Promote Food Safety? | PDF
How to prevent cross-contamination; safe cleaning methods.


Last Modified: February 26, 2009

 

 

Fact Sheets
   Safe Food Handling
   At-Risk Populations
   Meat Preparation
   Poultry Preparation
   Egg Products Preparation
   Seasonal Food Safety
   Appliances & Thermometers
   Foodborne Illness & Disease
   Emergency Preparedness
   FSIS Programs & Workforce
   Production & Inspection
   Food Labeling
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