Ensure a healthy holiday season with food safety advice: Virginia Department of Health

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- As people come together during the holidays to make memorable baked goods and dinner, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is offering tips to keep families happy and healthy.

The VDH's Crater Health District (CHD) shared six simple tips to help bring delicious foods to the table instead of unwanted illnesses, according to a Dec. 19 press release from the health department.

“The holidays bring families together in the kitchen, and CHD encourages everyone to follow simple steps: wash hands often, avoid cross-contamination, and bake foods to safe internal temperatures,” said CHD Director Dr. Alton Hart, Jr. “A few simple steps during holiday baking ensure seasonal celebrations are both safe and enjoyable.”

Many recipes require raw ingredients, such as eggs and flour. The CHD recommends the following tips to keep your loved ones safe from foodborne illnesses.

• Make sure to use fresh ingredients. Before cooking with it, check the expiration date, especially on products that have been in the pantry for a while.
  • "When in doubt, throw it out," the CHD said.
• Remember to wash your hands before and after preparing food, especially with raw ingredients. It's also important to wash your hands after using the bathroom or changing a baby's diaper.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised people to skip licking the spoon when cooking or baking. Uncooked batter and dough contain raw ingredients such as eggs and flour, which can cause foodborne illnesses.
• The CDH also advises you to clean as you go. Washing bowls, utensils, cutting boards and countertops before and after cooking helps keep you organized. It also helps clean away any raw ingredients, which prevents cross-contamination.
• When cooking and baking, make sure each food item is thoroughly baked by reaching a safe internal temperature.
• Finally, store leftovers safely by refrigerating any perishable baked goods. Anything containing fresh dairy, cream cheese, whipped cream or fresh fruit should be stored within two hours.

Remember to always keep an eye on children around hot ovens, sharp tools and raw ingredients.

For more information. visit the CHD website here.