WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is reminding families to follow basic food safety steps as they prepare for spring holiday meals.
With gatherings planned for Easter, Passover, and Mother’s Day, officials say proper food handling can help prevent foodborne illness. The USDA highlights four key steps: clean, separate, cook, and chill.
They also warn about the “danger zone,” where bacteria grow quickly between 40 and 140 degrees. Perishable foods like ham, brisket, and egg dishes should not sit out for more than two hours.
Safe cooking temperatures are also emphasized, including 145 degrees for whole cuts of meat, 160 for ground meats and egg dishes, and 165 for poultry. Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly and reheated to 165 degrees.
Officials say following these guidelines can help keep holiday meals safe and prevent illness.