Food safety is always important.  I have worked in Cooperative Extension for almost 25 years and we always receive questions in the office around the holidays regarding food preparation and food safety.  In Union County, we have Marcus McFarland who is our Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent.  If you have specific questions related to food preparation and safety, Marcus can help you with those.  

The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available to consumers who have questions about food preparation or food safety.   As the name implies, this hotline is dedicated to answering questions related to meat and poultry.  The toll-free number is 888-674-6854.  The Hotline is open year-round Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Eastern time.  Tips and techniques for food safety and available on the Food Safety and Inspection Service website.

Food safety is always important.  One of the things I always remember my mother saying related to food safety was “if in doubt, toss it out.”  Anytime I question whether something is still good, I hear her saying those words.

Be safe this holiday season and if you have questions contact an expert for help!