Super Bowl Sunday Food Safety Tips, According to the USDA

Abide By the Two Hour Rule

As the USDA points out, Super Bowl Sunday differs from other food-focused events, such as Thanksgiving, because the food sits out for the game and typically isn't consumed within an hour or so.

Though Super Bowl fans often snack on food throughout the game, the federal agency says that perishable items, such as chicken wings, deli wraps, and meatball appetizers, as well as cut fruit and vegetable platters, should only be left out for a maximum of two hours.

Once these foods hit the two-hour mark, there is a risk of bacteria multiplying to dangerous levels and potentially making people sick.

Keep Perishable Foods Out of the Danger Zone

Not only should perishable foods be left out for no longer than two hours, but they must be kept at the correct temperature at all times. The USDA defines the danger zone as temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. Between these temperatures, bacteria will multiply quickly.

Keep cold foods under 40°F by refrigerating them or nestling them in ice. On the other hand, keep hot foods above 140°F by placing them in a preheated oven, warming trays, chafing dishes, or slow cookers.

Take Precautions With Raw Meat and Poultry

As with any other day of the year, raw meat and poultry require some extra safety precautions. When handling raw chicken wings or hamburger meat, for example, make sure to wash your hands for 20 seconds before and after you touch it.

You should also clean any surfaces and utensils that have come into contact with raw meat and poultry with soap and warm water, and use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils to avoid cross-contamination between raw meat or poultry and foods that are ready-to-eat.

Cook Chicken Wings to the Correct Temperature

Additionally, ensure that any meat and poultry dishes are cooked to a safe internal temperature by using a meat thermometer. And if you don't plan to consume the food shortly after it's cooked, promptly place it in the refrigerator to chill.

Super Bowl Sunday is chicken wings' time to shine. If you plan to cook some wings to nibble on while you watch the game, use a meat thermometer to make sure that the wings are cooked to (at least) 165°F. To be extra safe, the USDA suggests using a thermometer on several wings to gauge the doneness of an entire batch.

Keep Takeout and Delivery Foods Safe

Just because you order takeout on Super Bowl Sunday doesn't mean the food safety rules go out the window. If your food is being delivered, make sure that someone is there to pick it up (so it doesn't sit outside breeding bacteria!)

If your takeout is delivered ahead of time, store it in shallow containers in the refrigerator until you're ready to reheat it. You can also keep the food above 140°F until you're ready to serve it.

When reheating meat or poultry, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you're using a microwave to reheat food, ensure that the contents are evenly dispersed so everything gets reheated evenly.

Store and Reheat Game Day Leftovers Correctly

The leftovers are one of the best parts of hosting a Super Bowl party. But to be able to enjoy them post-game without getting sick, they need to be stored and reheated properly. Within two hours of serving, divide leftovers into smaller portions and refrigerate or freeze them in shallow containers—this helps the items cool more quickly.

When you're ready to reheat them, be sure they reach a temperature above 165°F. You can check their temperature with a food thermometer. Soups and sauces should be reheated on the stovetop until they reach a boil.

Leftovers will remain good in the refrigerator for three to four days. However, if they smell funky or you just aren't sure about them, toss them out.

Always Have Food Safety Top of Mind

To ensure the safety of you and your fellow game-watching friends, be sure to be cautious when serving food and keep these safety rules in mind throughout the entire party.

"As families and friends safely gather to watch the big game, keep food safety in mind. No matter who you're rooting for, foodborne illness is a dangerous opponent we face during the game," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement by the USDA.

"Millions of people get sick from food poisoning each year. Following guidance on keeping food at safe temperatures, proper handwashing, and avoiding cross-contamination will protect you and your party guests."