Health eTips

Health eTips is produced by the staff of the St. Charles County Department of Public Health. The department consists of three divisions - Environmental Health and Protection, Health Services and Humane Services - that provide a wide range of services focused on enhancing the well-being of this community.

If you have questions about the Department of Public Health or have suggestions on public health topics you'd like to see explored in this blog, please email us.

View All Posts

Feb 13

Super Bowl Food Safety

Posted on February 13, 2018 at 8:19 AM by Doug Bolnick

DON'T PASS ON FOOD SAFETY DURING SUPER BOWL

Gathering this week to watch the Big Game? Whether you’re riveted to the on-field action, tuning in for the commercials or enjoying the tasty treats with friends, a good plan will control fumbles at your Super Bowl party. To ensure a victory among your guests be sure to follow simple food safety precautions.

Four Keys to Super Bowl Food Safety

With game-day festivities that last several hours, you’ll need to prepare and serve your food safely. The four keys to Super Bowl food safety are:

CLEAN all preparation areas, hands, utensils and foods before, during and after preparation.
SEPARATE raw and cooked foods to eliminate cross-contamination during preparation and serving.
COOK foods to their proper internal temperature and keep hot things hot to stop bacterial growth. As an example, chicken wings should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, burgers to 160° F and chili or other reheated foods to 165° F.
CHILL foods below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to keep bacteria from forming and put away any perishable food item left at room temperature for longer than two hours.

Serve Up Healthy Alternatives

Another good way to ensure that you’ll win the snack game is to offer good-for-you treats as well. Instead of fatty, sauce covered snacks at your party, consider healthy alternatives that complement your full-flavored main course:

St. Charles County’s WIC staff presents several, easy-to-make snacks and resources that won’t expand your waistline.
Our Healthy Eats recipes will complement your party tray of fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat/low-calorie dips.
In addition to smart food choices, offer a variety of drink options – such as a fruit-infused water — will contradict the “empty” calories that sodas provide.