How can I reduce risk of food poisoning?

• Wash your hands with hot, soapy water before, during and after handling food.
• Keep raw meats and ready-to-eat foods separate. Use different cutting boards, utensils and plates for each.
• Use a meat thermometer to make sure you have cooked foods to proper temperatures.
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can reduce the risk of food poisoning by keeping cold foods with hazardous ingredients like mayo, on ice. Hot foods such as chicken or burgers can be kept hot by using a sterno system with disposable pans that is available at most party stores or use a crockpot. If food has been sitting out and the cheese cubes are hard and the burgers appear to be like hockey pucks, opt not to choose them. Instead select raw or cooked vegetables (no dip), salsa and chips, a fruit salad with citrus or a lettuce salad. It won't fill you, but it may prevent a food illness. Sometimes a hostess will ask if anyone wants a fresh burger or hot dog, so that would be a good option.