Tasty and Safe Super Bowl Eats

Avoid Food Safety Penalties This Game Day

Super Bowl Sunday is a time for fun, games, and good food. However, it’s vital to manage that food safely to prevent illness. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) provides a playbook to keep your food safe from bacteria.

Dr. Denise Eblen, USDA FSIS Administrator, highlights the importance of quick refrigeration for delivery and takeout items. “One of the biggest threats to a successful game day meal is bacteria that causes foodborne illness,” she notes.

Key strategies include -

• Control Takeout Temperatures: Ensure that delivered or takeout foods are either kept warm above 140 F or chilled below 40 F until they're ready to be served.

• Limit Room Temperature Exposure: Keep all perishable foods out of the Danger Zone. Foods should not sit out for more than two hours.

• Verify Safe Cooking Temperatures: For home-cooked foods like meat or poultry, achieving the right internal temperature is crucial for safety — e.g., ground meats should reach 160 F.

• Emphasize Cleanliness: Always wash hands and surfaces before and after handling any food, particularly raw meats.

By following the USDA’s advice, you can ensure that your Super Bowl snacks are not only delicious but also safe, keeping the focus on the game and the fun.