Refrigerate Promptly

Cooling Tips

One of the most common causes of foodborne illness is improper cooling.

• Cooked food needs to be cooled rapidly so dangerous bacteria don't multiply.
• Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared foods, and leftovers within two hours.
• Cooked food should go into the refrigerator while it's still hot. It's not safe to cool it on the counter or table.
• Cooked food needs to be stored in shallow containers less than three inches deep to speed cooling. Don't cover the food until it's cool.
• Double-check to make sure that juices from raw foods such as meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs cannot drip onto uncovered, cooling foods.

Cool It! How Long Will It Take?

How long would it take for the temperature to drop to a safe level if you were to refrigerate an 8-inch stock pot of steaming chicken soup?

                                    24 hours!

To be safe, store hot food in shallow containers less than three inches deep. Don't stack containers or pack the refrigerator. Cool air must circulate to keep food safe.

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Safe Handling of Leftovers

Perishable foods that have been served to children but not eaten should be thrown away. This includes food put on the table as well as on children's plates.

Why?

Because bacteria multiply rapidly in food left at room temperature. Food that has been prepared but not served should be refrigerated immediately.

Serve leftovers within 24 hours. Heat thoroughly to at least 165°F before serving.

View the short video clip about refrigerating leftovers.

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Field Trip Food Safety

Bacteria can quickly multiply to dangerous levels when foods like sandwiches are left at room temperature.

Keep foods safe by:

• Keeping sandwiches in an insulated lunch bag with a frozen gel pack, a frozen bottle of water, or a frozen juice box.
• Packing sandwiches in a cooler with ice or a cold source.

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Room Temp Safe These foods don't need to stay cold: Peanut butter sandwiches Cookies Crackers Commercially dried fruit Unopened cans of fruit or pudding Unopened juice boxes Fruit-filled pastries

Keep Cold These foods need to stay cold:   Meat and poultry sandwiches Meat and poultry salads Tuna and egg salads Milk, cheese, and yogurt Opened cans of fruit or pudding Peeled or cut fruits and vegetables

	A Special Alert Unpasteurized milk is not safe for children. It can be a source of E. coli 0157:H7, as well as other potentially harmful bacteria. If your children are on a field trip to a dairy, never let them sample raw (unpasteurized) milk.