Wedding season is underway, and couples planning to prepare or serve their own reception food are being reminded to make food safety part of the celebration.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends keeping raw meat and poultry separate from foods that are ready to eat. All food should be cooked to a safe internal temperature and checked with a food thermometer.
During transportation, cold food should be kept at 40 degrees or below. Use insulated containers or wrap cold dishes in foil to help maintain a safe temperature.
At the reception, hot food should be kept above 140 degrees in chafing dishes, slow cookers or warming trays. Food cooked ahead of time should be reheated to at least 165 degrees, while sauces, soups and gravy should be brought to a boil.
Following those precautions can help keep foodborne illness from becoming an uninvited wedding guest.