From Those in the Know About Food Safety

The Partnership for Food Safety Education wants us to know that while the shortest distance between the freezer and the table may be the microwave oven, not all convenience foods can be cooked in the microwave. 

To prevent food-related illness due to under-cooking frozen or other convenience foods follow these four simple tips:

1. Read and Follow Package Cooking Instructions.

2. Know When to Use a Microwave or Conventional Oven.

3. Know Your Microwave Wattage Before Microwaving Food.

4. Always use a food thermometer to Ensure a Safe Internal Temperature.

The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service wants you to know the following about keeping party foods safe:

• Make sure all food is cooked thoroughly before serving.
• Store prepared foods in shallow pans so they cool quickly and evenly. Reheat and serve small amounts on platters while the remaining food stays hot in the oven.
• Don’t let food stay at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Use chafing dishes, warming trays or slow cookers to keep foods hot.
• Surround dishes of cold foods with ice.

Both government agencies are quick to remind us that taking precautions when preparing and serving food can spare us the misery of a food-induced illness.