While the celebrations of the 249th Independence Day end today, the Americans will meet with a bonus of remains of patriotic barbecues, picnics and rallies. Juicy burgers and grilled chicken with creamy potato salad and fruit trays, these feast remains can prolong the festive spirit, if it is safe. The American Department of Agriculture offers essential directives to ensure that your remains of July 4 remain safe from harmful bacteria, keeping your family safe and alive.
Follow the two -hour rule
The two -hour rule is essential for remaining security. Perishable foods, including meats, poultry, salads and dips, must be refrigerated within two hours of servitude. If the external temperatures are greater than 90 degrees F, communes during the celebrations of July, this time spends an hour. Persistent foods in the “danger zone” – 40 degrees F at 140 degrees F – can promote bacteria like Salmonella, E. Coli and Listeria, which can survive frost. If the leftovers have come out for too long, throw them away to avoid the disease. If in doubt, throw it away to ensure the safety of your vacation.
Use shallow containers for safe cooling
Keep the remains in small shallow containers to promote rapid cooling in the refrigerator or freezer. Large containers imprison heat, allowing bacteria to multiply before food cools. The shallow containers quickly guarantee that foods reach safe temperatures, which reduces the risk of contamination. For example, divide large portions of macaroni salad or grilled meats in smaller portions for faster cooling.
Know your storage calendar
For short-term storage, refrigerate the remains and consume them within four days. For longer storage, freeze them during this period to stop the greatest bacterial growth. Although frost preserves safety, quality can decrease after two to six months, so label the containers with dates for optimal taste.
Reminder: Gel does not kill all bacteria; Listeria and hepatitis A can survive cold temperatures, which makes rapid storage essential.
Reheat at the right temperature
When heating leftover, make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to eliminate potential bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check this, by checking several spots, especially for dense foods such as pots. Microwaves, stovetops or ovens are ideal for heating, but avoid slow cookers, which may not heat food fairly quickly. In microwaves, cover and run the food, adding a touch of liquid if necessary, for heating even. For sauces, soups and stir -fry, bring to a boil to ensure safety.
Prevent cross contamination
Prevent cross -contamination during storage by moving the leftover of raw foods in the refrigerator. Use sealed containers to avoid leaks and disinfect surfaces and utensils after handling raw meat during meal preparation. This is particularly important for intergenerational rallies, where vulnerable groups like children and the elderly can be more at risk.
Where to get help
For additional advice, contact the USDA meat and poultry hotline at 1-888-674-6854 or visit www.ask.usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time, Monday to Friday. By following these patriotic food security practices, you can take advantage of the fruits of the 249th celebration of the day of American independence safely and delightfully, honoring the freedom of the nation with each bite.
Happy July 4!
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