Catering for Functions

Catering at home for functions both small and large is not something to be taken on lightly and can become particularly daunting as the festive season approaches. As you will want to be part of the party fun rather than cooking in the kitchen it is likely that food will be prepared in advance or brought by guests and this food will need to be stored prior to eating. However if this is not done properly the risk of food poisoning is increased for you and all your guests.

You need therefore to plan ahead and think carefully about food safety. To help you here are some key DOs and DON'Ts.

Plan the food carefully:

·DO make sure you've got enough fridge and freezer space. Enlist the help of friends and neighbours to ensure you have the capacity you need to keep food cold if necessary.

·DO take special care with the food for people from vulnerable groups who may be at the party (elderly persons, children and ill people).

·DO tell any guests that are bringing food to the party to also follow these helpful steps.

·DON'T make up foods too far in advance.

·DON'T leave food standing around for several hours in a warm room before it is eaten.

Take care with eggs:

·DON'T use raw eggs in uncooked foods e.g. Chocolate mousse, home made mayonnaise and cake icing.

·DO use pasteurised egg or commercial mayonnaise instead.

Avoid contaminating prepared food:

·DO wash your hands thoroughly before touching foods and after handling raw foods like meat and poultry.

·DON'T let raw foods like meat and poultry, or unwashed fruit, vegetables and salad items come into contact with food that is ready to eat.

Proper temperature control is essential:

·DO make sure that perishable food is kept chilled ideally below 5 degrees Centigrade.

This means keeping cold meats, quiches, sausage rolls and desserts, especially cream cakes etc refrigerated. Keep the most perishable foods in the fridge right up until needed. Always store cooked foods above raw, in case there are any drips which can spread food poisoning bacteria onto ready to eat items.

·DO make sure that food is cooked thoroughly.

Large meat joints and whole poultry need special care to make sure the centre is well cooked. If you're reheating food, DON'T do it more than once. Always reheat until the food is piping hot all the way through.

·DO keep hot food piping hot and cold food really cold.

Care with cream cakes:

·DON'T leave cream cakes out for a long time, bacteria can grow quickly in the cream and make it dangerous to eat.

Leftovers:

·DON'T keep leftover food that has been stood around in a warm room or garden for several hours.

·DO throw leftovers away.

Have a safe and enjoyable occasion.

With all the precautions taken it's now time for you to also enjoy the party!

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