By LISA NEWMAN
K-State Research and Extension – Central Kansas District Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent
The teams are set! The Super Bowl is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States and the second-largest food consumption day, according to the USDA.
If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, don’t let food safety sideline your celebration. “One of the biggest threats to a successful game day is bacteria that causes foodborne illness,” said Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent Lisa Newman. “Make sure food is quickly refrigerated or kept hot until guests arrive.”
Avoid the Danger Zone
Popular Super Bowl dishes like pizza, chicken wings, and sliders can’t stay at room temperature for more than two hours. Between 40°F and 140°F—the USDA’s “Danger Zone”—bacteria can multiply to unsafe levels. Follow these tips to keep your party safe:
#1 Don’t Fumble Takeout or Delivery
Use insulated bags if your commute takes longer than an hour.
Serve food promptly or refrigerate in shallow containers until ready to reheat.
Reheat food containing meat or poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F, and bring liquids like soups or sauces to a boil.
#2 Play Defense Against the Danger Zone
If food won’t be kept hot or cold, serve one set of dishes for the first half and fresh servings for the second half.
Discard perishable items left out longer than two hours. To save leftovers, refrigerate or freeze promptly.
If you plan to keep food out for more than two hours:
Keep cold foods at a temperature of 40 F or below by keeping food nestled in ice.
Keep hot foods at a temperature of 140 F or above by placing food in a preheated oven, warming trays, chafing dishes or slow cookers.
#3 Stick to the Four Steps to Food Safety
Clean: Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils thoroughly before and after handling food.
Separate: Avoid cross-contamination with separate cutting boards and utensils.
Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure safe internal temperatures.
Chill: Refrigerate foods immediately if not serving.
For questions, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), email [email protected], or chat live at ask.usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
Score Big with Food Safety
Super Bowl Sunday is all about fun, food, and football. By following these simple safety tips, you can ensure your game day is a winning experience for everyone. Play it safe and enjoy the big game!
For more resources and support, visit K-State Research and Extension – Central Kansas District at https://www.centralkansas.k-state.edu.