Love is on the menu this Valentine's Day! Whether you're planning a romantic dinner at a restaurant, creating a culinary masterpiece at home, or opting for the convenience of ordering online, ensuring food safety is the key to a delightful and memorable celebration. Check out our food safety tips below to ensure that the moments shared over a meal are not only memorable but also free from foodborne illness.

Dining Out:

• Always wash your hands before and after eating, especially after using the restroom
• Assess the scene. Observe food safety practices and cleanliness of the restaurant or the area.
• Order thoroughly cooked food. Remember that certain meat, poultry, and fish meats need to be cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria that may be present.
• Ask before ordering. Service staff should be able to tell a guest about the food in the menu that may contain potential allergens.
• Get that takeout to the fridge—fast. If you’re not going straight home (within two hours of being served or one hour if required temperature will not be met), leave the leftovers at the restaurant. Remember, keep hot food hot, and cold food cold.

Cooking at Home:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially before and after handling raw ingredients.
• Ensure your kitchen surfaces and utensils are clean. Be mindful of cross contamination. Don’t use the same utensils for handling raw and cooked food.
• Use a food thermometer to properly cook meats and poultry to their safe internal temperatures.
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly within 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Ordering Online:

• Choose reputable delivery platforms and restaurants
• Opt for restaurants that pack food properly and maintain hot or cold temperatures during delivery.
• Upon arrival, inspect the food packaging for any damage or signs of spoilage.
• Reheat takeout thoroughly before consuming, especially dishes containing meat or poultry.

By remembering these simple food safety tips, you can focus on what truly matters - creating beautiful memories with your loved one.