Holiday Cooking & Everyday Food Safety

Published on December 05, 2025

Food safety is essential year-round and plays a vital role in keeping individuals, families, and communities healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses each year. Practicing simple, everyday food safety habits can significantly reduce the risk of food poisoning at home.

As you prepare meals for yourself and your loved ones—especially during the holidays when cooking, gatherings, and food sharing increase—keep these key principles in mind:

• Clean: Wash your hands and kitchen surfaces often to keep harmful bacteria from spreading.
• Separate: Keep raw meats, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from ready-to-eat and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure foods are cooked to safe internal temperatures.
• Chill: Refrigerate perishable foods promptly and keep cold items properly chilled.

Food safety also includes using safe water, thoroughly rinsing produce, storing food correctly, and knowing when to throw items away. By practicing safe food handling every day—and being especially mindful during busy holiday seasons—we can reduce preventable illness and support a healthier community year-round.