The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy delicious meals that reflect family traditions and culture. Whether it’s decorating cookies, making tamales, or preparing a festive roast, holiday cooking offers the perfect opportunity to teach children cherished family recipes while creating lasting memories.
To ensure your holiday meals are as safe as they are joyful, The Children’s Clinic in Jackson, TN, shares these important food safety tips, inspired by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
1. Cook and Wash Food Thoroughly
When preparing your holiday favorites, always follow food safety guidelines. Bacteria are commonly found in raw ingredients. Be sure to:
Fully cook meats and poultry to safe internal temperatures.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove contaminants.
2. Practice Hand Hygiene
While teaching children how to prepare family recipes, emphasize the importance of washing hands frequently during cooking. Good hygiene habits reduce the risk of spreading bacteria and keep everyone safe.
3. Sample Safely
When letting little helpers taste-test, use a clean spoon each time to avoid cross-contamination. Also, avoid sampling any raw ingredients, such as eggs or doughs that need to be cooked.
4. Keep Raw and Cooked Foods Separate
With refrigerators and counters often crowded during the holidays, it’s easy for raw and cooked foods to mix. Prevent cross-contamination by:
Keeping raw and cooked foods separate.
Using separate utensils for handling raw and cooked ingredients.
5. Thaw Foods in the Refrigerator
Never thaw frozen meat on the countertop. Always defrost in the refrigerator, keeping the temperature at or below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth.
6. Prevent Burns and Kitchen Injuries
Cooking together can be fun, but safety should always come first. Keep these tips in mind to avoid accidents:
Turn pot handles toward the back or side of the stove to prevent tipping.
Keep hot liquids and food away from counter edges where young children can reach.
Teach older children to use oven mitts and handle appliances safely.
Always supervise children in the kitchen and assign age-appropriate tasks.
7. Leftovers: Store or Toss?
Perishable foods should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours. To ensure food safety:
Keep hot foods at 140°F or warmer until serving.
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking or after they’ve been removed from a warming appliance.
8. Clean Up Quickly
After a holiday meal, tidy up the kitchen right away. Leftover food, alcohol, or tobacco can pose a choking or poisoning risk if curious toddlers wake up early and explore unattended dishes.
Enjoy a Safe and Happy Holiday Season
At The Children’s Clinic in Jackson, TN, we’re here to support your family’s health and happiness during the holidays and throughout the year. By following these food safety tips, you can help ensure that your celebrations are filled with joy and free of preventable mishaps.
If you have any questions about keeping your children safe this holiday season, don’t hesitate to contact us. Wishing you a festive and healthy holiday season from all of us at The Children’s Clinic in Jackson, TN!
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