The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released food safety tips for families preparing spring holiday meals. The guidance comes ahead of Easter and Passover celebrations, emphasizing the importance of safe food handling practices to prevent foodborne illnesses.

“With many families gathering to celebrate, it’s crucial to follow safety measures to ensure a safe holiday meal,” said USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety, Dr. Mindy Brashears.

The USDA recommends washing hands, surfaces, and fruits and vegetables thoroughly before food preparation. Additionally, officials urge people to cook meats to the appropriate internal temperatures and to refrigerate leftovers promptly.

As part of their initiative, the USDA also provided information on how to properly thaw frozen meats and the necessity of separating raw and cooked foods. These measures are vital to ensure that food remains safe for consumption during holiday festivities.

The USDA’s food safety guidelines are part of a broader effort to educate the public on food safety during high-traffic meal times, particularly holidays when food is often prepared in larger quantities.

Food safety remains a significant concern, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses each year. As such, the USDA continues to promote safe food handling practices through its educational campaigns.

Source: news source