Essential Halloween Food Safety Tips from a K-State Expert to Keep Your Festivities Safe

K-State Extension News Service

As temperatures cool and leaves change, Halloween is just around the corner. While it’s a time for fun, food safety is still important, especially with perishable items. Karen Blakeslee, a food scientist at Kansas State University, offers key advice to keep party food safe.

“Items like meat, cheese platters, pasta, and finger sandwiches should stay in the fridge until you’re ready to serve,” Blakeslee advises.

Here are some simple tips to ensure your Halloween spread is safe:

• Use small platters for food, allowing you to chill them and rotate within two hours.
• Create ice-coolers by filling party trays with ice and placing the food on top.
• Don’t let perishable snacks sit out longer than two hours.
• Always fully cook dough and batters before tasting.
• Be cautious of unpasteurized juice or cider, which may harbor harmful germs.

Blakeslee also emphasizes the importance of hygiene. “Wash your hands before food prep and keep raw meats away from ready-to-eat foods,” she explains. This helps prevent cross-contamination, a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Food allergies are another crucial consideration. Blakeslee recommends asking guests about any allergies ahead of time. Sesame has recently become recognized as a significant allergen and should not be overlooked.

For parents, checking candy after trick-or-treating is vital. Blakeslee suggests discarding any treats that are damaged or have been opened to avoid potential dangers.

Consider offering non-food goodies for kids with allergies when handing out treats. Blakeslee also has a helpful tip for parents: “Give your little ones a meal or snack before they go out. This keeps their energy up while they enjoy the festivities.”

For more food safety tips, Blakeslee shares insights in her monthly newsletter, You Asked It!, and additional resources are available through local extension offices in Kansas.

Research shows that foodborne illnesses affect around 48 million Americans each year, highlighting the importance of these precautions. Keeping safety in mind allows everyone to enjoy a fun and worry-free Halloween!

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