(HealthDay News) -- Nothing can ruin a party or holiday get-together like a foodborne illness, so take care to treat your guests to foods that won't send them running home.
The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service offers these suggestions for safe party-food serving:
- Make sure all food is cooked thoroughly before serving.
- Store prepared foods in shallow pans so they cool quickly and evenly. Reheat and serve small amounts on platters while the remaining food stays hot in the oven.
- Don't let food stay at room temperature for more than two hours.
- Use chafing dishes, warming trays or slow cookers to keep foods hot.
- Surround dishes of cold foods with ice.
