Food Safety Tips

I've never been fond of potluck dinners or holiday homemade buffets for several reasons.  I don't know what ingredients went into each dish - too much salt, red meat, pork...whatever ingredient I am allergic to, it's usually 'hidden' in one of those dishes.  The second reason why I'm never happy about potluck/community buffet is...how do I know the cleanliness of the kitchen or preparation of the food?  How many times have any of us become super ill from eating a salad at a fine restaurant?  Well, how about eating the dish prepared by the woman sitting at the table across from you who is playing with her hair with one hand, while eating with the other???  It's enough to make anyone ill just thinking about it.  Here are a few tips to keep you from becoming severely ill at the next 'community cook' dinner party:

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  If food is left out of the refrigerator for over 2 hours, dump it.  The two hours includes the time anyone has taken to transport the food without proper refrigeration.  Bacteria have multiplied to an unhealthy level and could make you super sick.  Before and after handling food, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.  If you notice someone using their personal fork to help themselves to seconds, while eating with the same fork, do not eat any food from that serving tray and remind them of their manners.  Their barbarism today is your stomach poisoning tomorrow.