Don't risk food poisoning during the holidays, remember: when unsure, toss it out.

As we all know, food is at the forefront of our minds during the Christmas season. However, health officials are reminding us to be cautious and not to give the unwanted gift of food poisoning to our loved ones. It's easy to get caught up in the festivities and forget about food safety, but if you have any doubts about the freshness of a dish, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

According to Victoria's Chief Health Officer, Dr. Claire Looker, it's common for people to get distracted while celebrating and leave food out at unsafe temperatures. To avoid this, it's important to keep an eye on the temperature of food left out and to pack away leftovers before they spoil. This will ensure that everyone enjoys their holiday meal without any unwanted side effects.

One helpful tip to prevent food poisoning is to be aware of the "danger zone". This refers to the temperature range of 5 to 60 degrees, which is where bacteria that cause food poisoning are most likely to grow. If food has been left out in this range for two hours or less, it can still be safely consumed or stored in the fridge. However, if it has been left out for longer, it's best to throw it away to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

Some common high-risk foods to watch out for during the holiday season include turkey, ham, seafood, cooked rice, and custard. It's important to store these leftovers in the fridge, but only when they have cooled down and are no longer steaming hot. And if you're defrosting food, make sure to do it in the fridge and not re-freeze it to prevent any bacterial growth.

Another little-known fact is that bacteria can spread from one food to another in the fridge. To avoid this, always store raw meat separately and on a lower shelf than cooked and ready-to-eat foods. This will prevent any cross-contamination and keep your food safe to eat.

In conclusion, if you have any doubts about the safety of a dish, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out. And if you need any advice or assistance, you can always call the Food Safety Hotline at 1300 364 352. Let's all enjoy a safe and delicious holiday season!

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