Make food safety part of festive feasts

Food safety risks rise over the holiday season, but there are simple ways to mitigate them.

- Arnold Prinsloo

First, holiday gatherings involve large meals for many people, which increases the risk of cross-contamination and improper food handling.

Then there's the popularity at this time of year of buffets or spreads that sit out for extended periods. This can create ideal conditions for bacterial growth, especially in dishes containing meat, dairy or eggs.

Temperature control is much more difficult during sizable gatherings.

Foods left in the "danger zone" (between 4°C and 60°C) for more than two hours can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria.