Potluck Food Safety Guidelines To Follow

Planning a gathering for friends and family? Curating the perfect menu and dreaming up fun decor and themes is an important part, but so is making sure that you keep food safety in mind. Foodborne illnesses can turn a great time into a nightmare. Fortunately, there are ways to save those shared Crock-Pot dishes and your grandma's famous peanut butter pie (or this Costco version, we won't tell) from contamination.

It's important to plan ahead to ensure that your food arrives at the get-together safely and that it's served in a way that people can enjoy free from harmful bacteria and pathogens. Cleanup and how you handle leftovers are also important to consider since potluck food has likely been out longer than it would be if you served it at a sit-down meal. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind to prevent illness from wreaking havoc on your good time.

One of the biggest difficulties when it comes to potlucks is monitoring so many different dishes. Group food by temperature and type to make things a little bit easier. For cold and hot dishes, keeping track of the temperature is key, whether it's a cold pasta salad or a tasty rack of ribs. Cold foods should be less than 41 degrees Fahrenheit while hot foods should be kept above 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

You might need to adjust your potluck buffet setup, adding ice trays or warming stations to keep things cold or hot. Also pay attention to the fuel source for hot trays, since things like Sterno containers may need to be periodically replaced during your potluck. Crock-Pots are another helpful tool to keep food hot and ready to serve. If you can't keep food at a constant temperature, divide your dish into smaller containers. Serve only what will be eaten before the food starts to spoil. You can always heat up another batch to replenish the buffet table if needed. But this way, food doesn't go to waste or potentially make your potluck guests sick.

Due to the close proximity of people and food at a potluck, it's especially important to keep germs away. As you make your dish, you can spread germs, even if you're being extra careful. Rather than share the sniffles at the event, wait until next time to bring food to share.

If you are sick, you may also want to opt for store-bought or ask someone else to step in for you. Many restaurants offer delivery and catering, so you can still bring something to share without preparing it yourself. You can also stop by the deli at your local store to pick up sides and even entrees that can be added to the buffet lineup.

Even if you aren't feeling sick, if you've been around someone with a cold, the flu, or another similar illness, take precautions when preparing food for a potluck. You may have the same thing but not be showing symptoms yet. Consider wearing a mask or disposable gloves to avoid potentially contaminating any shared food.

This is a good practice anytime you are preparing food, but it is key if you're planning to share your dish with family and friends. Wash your hands with soap before cooking and during the process to prevent contamination. When you can, use utensils to stir, mix, and reposition food. Anytime you touch food, it makes the spread of germs much more likely.

Even if you're feeling great, washing your hands as you cook can help prevent cross-contamination. If you're working with raw meat, wash your hands thoroughly both before and after handling your ingredients. This is also important if you are cooking for those with allergies or food sensitivities since even the smallest amount of an allergen can cause some people to have a severe reaction.

To wash your hands properly, don't just give them a brief rinse. The Centers for Disease Control recommends washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water to get rid of harmful bacteria and other general dirt and dust. Wash the front and back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Dry your hands with a clean towel and you're ready to get back to cooking.

When cooking, you should separate raw meat from other ingredients to prevent cross-contamination. If you are making a gluten-free or nut-free dish, separate your ingredients as best as possible or let people know that you use gluten and nuts in your kitchen, even if they aren't ingredients in the dish. Don't overlook kitchen tools like cutting boards and measuring cups. If you use them for one ingredient, wash them thoroughly before cutting or measuring out another ingredient with or on them.

One helpful technique that will make the cooking process easier while also ensuring your ingredients stay separated properly is "mise en place." This is the practice in which you prepare everything ahead of time — chopping, dicing, shredding, or another technique — then put each ingredient in its own dish. That way, you don't need to rush as your dish comes together to measure out exact amounts. Celebrity chef Ina Garten uses this technique to keep her cooking streamlined.

One of the biggest culprits of foodborne illness at a shared meal is improperly cooked food. Undercooked meat can harbor potentially harmful bacteria that will wreak havoc on your digestive system. The last thing that you want is to send guests home with an unwanted illness as a memory from the fun party. 

Make sure that your food is completely cooked before bringing it to a potluck. This means an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for steaks and other raw meat. Ground meat should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, while poultry needs to be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't overlook eggs, which should also be cooked thoroughly. Make sure that they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit so that they are safe to serve. 

You can use a food thermometer to measure a food's internal temperature without impacting the way it cooks or looks. A probe thermometer like the popular ThermaPro digital thermometer even allows you to keep track of your food without opening the skillet, oven, or smoker. A simple temperature gauge will also do the trick and can be easy to store. But like other kitchen tools, make sure that you wash it thoroughly after each use.

Many potluck dishes are perfect for making ahead of time. For some dishes, you can put the entire recipe together hours or even a couple of days before. Or you can get a jump start on certain steps. In either case, it's important to store your ingredients and prep work properly to prevent bacteria growth. Refrigerate perishable dishes promptly after you are done making them until you are ready to complete them or serve them.

Also consider the storage requirements for individual ingredients that you use in your dish. This is particularly important for things like casseroles with eggs and cheese. These ingredients need to be stored in the fridge, which means that any prep work done that includes them should also be stored there. And even though they may not need to be stored at cold temperatures for safety, putting pre-prepped vegetables and fruit in the fridge can also help them stay fresher for longer.

If you're bringing your potluck dish somewhere else, make sure that you can transport it safely to avoid messes and keep germs and dirt out of your food. A container with a lid that seals well is a good idea. The last thing that you want is for half of your food to end up sloshed on the floorboards of your car or spilled on the sidewalk as you make your way to the potluck.

Think about any required coverings that will protect your food during the event as well. If it is outdoors, bugs can quickly get curious and cause havoc. No one wants to eat food that is overrun with hungry ants. A simple food covering can keep the pests at bay. If your serving dish doesn't come with a matching cover, look for a breathable net tent to place over the area. Plastic wrap and aluminum foil can also work, but even a napkin will create a barrier between your dish and the great outdoors in a pinch.

Cold dishes and hot dishes need to be kept at the appropriate temperature even during transport. This might mean that you get an insulated bag for hot food or a cooler for cold food. When choosing the best transport method, make sure that your food fits flat into the cooler or insulated bag. Depending on what you are bringing to the potluck, tilting the container can cause parts of the dish to cool or warm faster than others, not to mention spills. Try to maintain a consistent temperature and setup for the best results.

Fortunately, a simple covering of aluminum foil might be all that your hot dish needs to stay warm. It can also help protect the food from spills or other contamination. If you want to get something a little sturdier, look for a carrying container that can insulate and that has handles for easy transport. An insulated casserole carrier is perfect for keeping things portable, hot or cold, and spill-free.

Your food isn't the only thing that you should pay attention to when bringing a shared dish to a potluck. You'll also need a spoon, fork, spatula, ladle, or other kitchen tools to dish out the food. Have one for each dish and don't move them back and forth between various containers at your potluck. If you're worried about getting them mixed up, you can label your utensils, but make sure not to write in marker on any part that will come in contact with food.

Serving utensils are just for serving and shouldn't be used by people to do anything but scoop. You might even want to let people use their own utensils to get their portion to avoid spreading germs. Put the utensils near your food setup to make things convenient and clear.

Provide a place for the serving utensils to rest as well, to keep them from being placed on the table. If you notice that the utensils get dirty, switch them out to keep things sanitary. It's better to end up with a few extra dishes than have your guests get sick.

Even foods that are normally eaten with your hands, such as rolls or sandwiches, need serving utensils. But using a fork or spoon can feel clumsy and you might find yourself spilling your food more than enjoying it. Dishes with smaller items, such as salads, can also be difficult to scoop. This is where a good set of tongs can save the day. If you are bringing a dish to a potluck, add a set of tongs to make serving easy, since your host may not have enough sets to accommodate everyone bringing something to share.

Tongs are a good way to pick up food without touching any other pieces and come in a variety of sizes. Place one with each dish to avoid contamination. You can use a simple plastic pair, but upgrading to a metal pair gives an extra touch of elegance to your potluck. This mini version comes in silver, gold, and rose gold to match the rest of your table setting.

Food that has been out without refrigeration or insulation for more than two hours should not be eaten. Follow the same guidelines for keeping your food out that you do for storing your food. Cold food should be no more than 41 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours. If it warms up more than that, you'll need to toss it. Hot dishes should be at least 135 degrees Fahrenheit while being served. If they cool below that for more than two hours, they aren't safe to eat either.

You can use a food thermometer to see the exact temperature of your dish. A probe-style thermometer that connects to your phone can help you keep track of the temperature as well as set timers to ensure that you don't go past the two-hour limit. If you are going to have food out longer, make sure that cold food is put on ice and hot food uses a warmer, such as a Crock-Pot or chafing dish.

For potlucks, you never know what allergies or sensitivities guests may have. So it's best to label your dish with all ingredients so everyone knows if it is safe for them to eat. Common culprits include peanuts, shellfish, eggs, soy, dairy, and gluten, but people can have allergies to just about anything. If you have a guest list ahead of time, ask if there are any food restrictions or considerations that you need to take into account when cooking. 

Whether it's out of personal preference or medical necessity, people appreciate knowing what is in their food so that they can make informed decisions about what to enjoy. Some guests might also follow a diet such as vegetarianism that eliminates certain food groups. Sometimes ingredients in sauces and condiments can contain foods that people need to avoid, so don't forget to look closely at the ingredients list if you're adding store-bought things to your potluck.

Keep in mind that some people are so sensitive that even food prepared in a kitchen with allergens can trigger a reaction, even if they aren't in that specific dish. To make things clear, it's best to note if you made the food without potential allergens or if you maintain a cooking space free of those ingredients. You can search for recipes that cater to specific needs, such as gluten-free or nut-free.

If you have any food left at the end of the potluck, put it in the fridge or freezer to keep bacteria from growing. Leaving food out can cause it to spoil or increase the chance of illness. You should do this fairly quickly, but let hot food cool slightly to prevent condensation. 

You can put your leftovers right in the fridge and reheat them later. For some dishes, storing components separately can help you recreate a better experience with your leftovers. For example, store leftover taco meat in the fridge separate from your toppings and cheese. Then reheat the meat and combine everything again for your next round of tacos.

If you're putting your leftovers in the freezer, which can make them last longer, make sure to use a freezer-safe bag or dish. Store them in airtight containers, otherwise, when air escapes, your food can dry out, leading to freezer burn.