Potluck Dinner in Advance, Food Must Be Cooled  DO Keep Hot Foods Hot (135°F Or Immediately After Cooking

USING YOUR THERMOMETER…

 DO limit the quantities of food prepared RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES A metal stemmed thermometer can be to what facilities can handle (i.e. used for all foods (not just meat) to FOR THOSE PREPARING AND refrigerators, ovens). measure the internal temperature of your SERVING FOOD cooked foods. This assures that a safe

 DO keep in mind that large quantities temperature has been reached to destroy  DO wash hands thoroughly with of food can take an extended period of harmful bacteria. Potluck soap and warm water for a minimum time to cool even under refrigeration. of 20 seconds before beginning food WHERE TO PLACE THE Putting food in shallow (less than 4” Dinner preparation. THERMOMETER deep) containers, accelerates the Insert the thermometer into the center of cooling process. the thickest part (away from bone) of the  DO clean all kitchen surfaces before you begin cooking. meat. When cooking casseroles and egg  DO transport hot foods in an insulated dishes, place the thermometer into the container. Transport cold foods in an thickest portion, making sure the  DO scrub cutting boards with hot insulated cooler with ice packs to keep soapy water after each food has thermometer does not touch the bottom of food under 41°F. the pan. been cut or sliced to prevent cross- contamination.  DO designate a person to be in charge

to oversee appropriate food handling  DO thoroughly wash all fruits and practices. vegetables. After preparation keep How to handle

under refrigeration. food safely  DO make sure each dish has its own serving utensil.  DO prepare foods as close to the at your

serving time as possible. If prepared Potluck Dinner in advance, food must be cooled  DO keep hot foods hot (135°F or immediately after cooking. above), and cold foods cold (41°F or below). Dial Face  DO use a metal stemmed 0° to 220°F thermometer to make  DO reheat food rapidly to an internal sure the center of the temperature of 165°F before serving. food reaches the proper internal  DO refrigerate leftovers quickly. McHenry County temperature. (Refer 1” Sensing Calibration Department of Health to inside for Area Nut  DO call the Health Department if you McHenry County Department Of Health temperature guide.) . . . . . have questions at 815-334-4585. Division Of Environmental Health 2200 N. Seminary Avenue Division of Woodstock, Illinois 60098 Environmental Health (815) 334-4585 Fax (815) 334-4637 www.mcdh.info This brochure serves as a guide to Questions and Answers individuals or groups holding a  There is no charge for food or Regarding your Potluck Event TIPS for your potluck event to help ensure that the beverage provided at the event food is handled safely. Potluck Dinner and no food shall be sold at a Does the McHenry County Department of Health require health permits or Food containing bacteria or viruses potluck event. inspect potluck events? DON’T thaw meat on the counter. that can cause foodborne illness does Defrost foods in the refrigerator.  The event is not conducted for NO - The Health Department does not issue not smell or taste differently. So it is health permits or inspect potluck events. imperative that people preparing and commercial purposes. DON’T use recipes in which eggs serving food for a potluck dinner remain raw or are only partially cooked. follow safety precautions.  It is generally understood by Can a potluck event be open to the

participants at the event that public? DON’T refrigerate partially cooked If you have any questions, please neither the food nor the facilities meats to finish cooking them later. contact the McHenry County YES - Provided that there is no charge to have been inspected by the State participate in the event. Department of Health at 815-334- or local certified public health DON’T taste foods using utensils 4585. that are put back into the food. department.

Can I advertise for a potluck event? DON’T assume your food is  No fee may be What is a potluck dinner? YES - Provided the potluck event is not thoroughly cooked. Check the charged for used for commercial purposes. internal temperature frequently. admission to the Effective 6/1/2005, Public Act 093- potluck event. DON’T store raw foods above ready 1039 defines a potluck as an event Can I charge an admittance fee to to eat foods. which meets all of the following  The potluck event shall not be attend the potluck? conditions: DON’T allow pets in your food sponsored by a business NO - You may not charge an admittance fee preparation area. If you touch your establishment dealing in the sale or for food or beverage served at the pet, be sure to wash your hands  People are gathered to share potluck. of food items. before you handle food. food at the event.

DON’T smoke, drink or eat while  Potluck event food may not be  There is no compensation Who do I call if I have questions preparing or serving food. brought into the kitchen of a provided to people for bringing regarding my potluck? business establishment dealing in DON’T take a chance that the food is food to the event. Call the Health Department for additional the sale of food items. safe. If food has been left out for information on potluck events or food safety more than 2 hours – THROW IT issues at 815-334-4585. OUT!  The event is not held on public property.