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By Alice Moore

Alabama Extension Service

The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and the flowers are blooming—it’s the perfect time to gather with friends and family to celebrate the season. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a special event, what do these celebrations have in common? Delicious food and good company, of course!

But before you dive into the fun, remember no one wants any unwanted guests—especially harmful bacteria. Food safety should always be a priority when planning your event. Keep these helpful tips in mind to ensure your dishes stay safe and enjoyable for everyone.

When planning your menu, it’s always a good idea to keep serving portions on the smaller side. Preparing several smaller platters ahead of time allows you to swap in fresh dishes throughout the event. Store cold backups in the fridge (set to below 40°F) and hot dishes in the oven, keeping them between 200°F and 250°F. This ensures that latecomers will enjoy the same delicious, safe food as the early arrivals.

A food thermometer is your best friend when it comes to food safety. Hot foods should be kept at or above 140°F to prevent bacterial growth. Use chafing dishes, slow cookers, and warming trays to keep food hot, but make sure they can hold the right temperature. Some warmers only reach 110°F to 120°F, which isn’t hot enough to keep bacteria at bay. Also, if you’re serving eggs or egg-based dishes, ensure they’re reheated to 165°F before serving, even if they’ve been refrigerated.

Cold foods should always be kept at 40°F or colder. Store items in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve them. If cold food will be out for more than two hours, place it on ice to maintain a safe temperature.

As dishes start to empty, replace them with freshly prepared ones. Avoid adding new food to existing serving trays, as bacteria from hands can contaminate the food. Plus, bacteria multiply quickly when food is left at room temperature. In fact, they can double in as little as 20 minutes!

By following these simple food safety practices, you’ll ensure that your guests can focus on enjoying the food and each other’s company—without any worries. Cheers to a safe and memorable spring celebration!

Reach out to Alice Moore, Food Safety agent with Alabama Extension, at amm0167@aces.edu or (334) 216-0738 if you have food safety questions or concerns.