CHRISTMAS FOOD - TOP TIPS

• When you get home from food shopping always put your chilled and frozen food in the fridge or freezer as soon as possible.
• Get a fridge thermometer and regularly check it to ensure that it is working at or below 5 degrees centigrade.
• Keep the kitchen and equipment clean, always wash work tops, utensils and equipment between preparing raw and cooked foods.
• Always wash hands before preparing food, after going to the toilet and after handling pets.
• Ensure that raw and cooked foods (ready to eat foods) are stored separately so that the raw foods do not contact or cannot drip onto cooked foods (store raw meat and fish at the bottom of the fridge).
• Check 'Use by' dates and do not use foods after the recommended period.
• If you are cooking a frozen turkey, chicken or other item that should be defrosted first, ensure that it is thoroughly defrosted.  Food should be defrosted in the fridge or if not possible an alternative clean, cool location.  Check packaging for guidance on how long you should allow.
• Cook food thoroughly, by following the instructions on the pack.  If you are cooking meat or poultry, cook it until the juices run clear and the meat is not pink.
• Keep hot food hot and cold food cold, do not leave it standing around at room temperature.