City of Ames is joining with federal government agencies as well as industry and consumer organizations to promote food safety education.
"Cook It Safely - It's a Matter of Degrees" was the theme of National Food Safety Education Month 2000, which focused attention on the importance of safe food handling and preparation.
There are a few key steps to cook food safely in every kitchen. One of the most important steps is to use a thermometer to make sure food is cooked to the proper internal temperature. For example:
*Ground meats, including ground beef and pork. |
160 degrees F |
*Poultry, including chicken, duck and whole turkey. |
180 degrees F |
*Beef, veal and lamb roasts and steaks, medium rare to well done |
145-170 degrees F |
When cooking or reheating food in the microwave, be sure to cover the food, stir and rotate for even cooking. It's important to reheat leftovers and carry-out meals to a minimum of 165 degrees.
"Cook it Safely" is one of four important food safety steps to follow each day. The four steps are:
*Clean |
wash hands and surfaces often |
*Separate |
don't cross contaminate |
*Cook |
cook to proper temperatures, and |
*Chill |
refrigerate promptly |
More information about safe food preparation is available in "Cooking for Your Community," a free brochure provided by the City of Ames, Iowa Department of Public Health, and Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. For a free copy of the brochure contact Kevin Anderson (515) 239-5158.
Held annually in September, National Food Safety Education Month was created in 1995 by the International Food Safety Council, a coalition of certified restaurant and food industry professionals dedicated to food safety education.
For more information contact the National Food Safety Education Month web site at http://www.restaurant.org/nfsem/.
Email the Inspection Division: Sanitation@city.ames.ia.us
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