Spring brings festive gatherings, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding the public about essential food safety practices. With many preparing traditional holiday meals such as ham, lamb, brisket, and decorated eggs, experts recommend keeping hard-cooked eggs refrigerated and using food-grade dyes for those you plan to eat. For meat dishes, always look for the USDA inspection mark. Brisket should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit and rest for three minutes, while uncooked ham must reach 160 degrees. When serving lamb, ensure a minimum of 145 degrees. Following these guidelines helps keep holiday celebrations healthy and safe.
- Eggs should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. Keep hard-cooked eggs in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- All cooked egg dishes should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees F, as measured by a food thermometer.
- If you plan to eat the Easter eggs you decorate, then be sure to use only food-grade dye. One suggestion is to make two sets of eggs, one for decorating and hiding that will not be consumed and another set for eating. Consider using plastic eggs for your Easter egg hunt.
- During Passover, various kosher meats are consumed. Kosher meat and poultry are produced under rabbinical supervision. Verify the safety of meats by looking for the USDA mark of inspection to ensure the product was produced in an establishment inspected by the USDA.
- Be sure to allow plenty of time to thaw a frozen brisket. Thawing in the refrigerator can take about 24 hours for a trimmed, first-cut brisket. A whole brisket weighing about 10 pounds can take several days.
- Bake the brisket, fat side up, in a baking dish in an oven set no lower than 325 F. The brisket is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F and is allowed to rest at that temperature for three minutes.
- Ham is a popular meat for the Easter table. Did you know that there are several types of ham, and they require different preparation methods? Ham is either ready-to-eat or requires cooking before eating. Be sure to read the package instructions carefully.
- Fresh, uncooked hams must be cooked to reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 160 F.
- Ready-to-eat hams are cooked at the plant and can be safely eaten right out of the package and can be served cold or heated to be served warm.
- Lamb is another popular dish. For food safety, the USDA recommends cooking a leg of lamb and other cuts to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145 F.