USDA Urges Iowans to Keep Food Safety in Play During Football Game Party

As Iowans and North Iowans get ready to gather for Super Bowl parties, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is reminding fans to keep food safety top of mind on game day.

Super Bowl spreads often include takeout, delivery, and foods that sit out for several hours, which can increase the risk of foodborne illness if not handled properly.

“When food is served throughout the Super Bowl, it can be easy to lose track of how long it’s been sitting out,” said USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Mindy Brashears. “Keeping food hot or cold and serving it promptly helps protect family, friends, and guests.”

USDA officials say popular game-day foods like pizza, chicken wings, sliders, and chili should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Foods left in what the USDA calls the “Danger Zone” — between 40 and 140 degrees — can allow harmful bacteria to grow.

For Iowans picking up takeout or having food delivered, the USDA recommends transporting food in insulated bags if travel time exceeds an hour and serving it promptly. Foods should be kept hot at 140 degrees or above, and leftovers should be refrigerated or frozen within two hours.

Hosts are also encouraged to serve food in smaller batches, bringing out fresh portions during different parts of the game to reduce how long food sits out.

Using a food thermometer is another key step. Poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees, ground meats 160 degrees, and leftovers should be reheated to 165 degrees to ensure they are safe to eat.

USDA officials also stress following the four basic steps to food safety: clean, separate, cook, and chill. That includes washing hands and surfaces, avoiding cross-contamination, cooking foods to proper temperatures, and refrigerating leftovers promptly.

Anyone with food safety questions can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 or email MPHotline@usda.gov.