USDA shares key food safety tips to prevent illness this Super Bowl Sunday

As millions of fans prepare for the Super Bowl this Sunday, 9 February, between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, food safety experts are urging hosts to take precautions to prevent foodborne illness. With an estimated 123.4 million viewers tuning in last year, the event is one of the biggest sporting spectacles globally; however, game-day snacks have become just as much a part of the tradition as the action on the field.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) warns that leaving perishable food out for too long can pose serious health risks. After leaving perishable hot or cold food at room temperature for two hours, also known as the Danger Zone, bacteria can reach dangerous levels and make you sick.

“One of the biggest threats to a successful game-day meal is bacteria that causes foodborne illness,” said USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Administrator Dr. Denise Eblen. “Make sure that takeout or delivered food is quickly refrigerated or placed in an oven until your guests arrive.”

Therefore, the USDA advises the following basic food safety measures to reduce the risk.

Food safety guidelines for Super Bowl Sunday

• Maintain proper temperatures: Hot food should be kept above 140°F, while cold food should be stored below 40°F. Use warming trays or a low-temperature oven for hot food and keep cold dishes over ice.
• Rotate food at half-time: Instead of leaving everything out for hours, serve food in two batches — one at kick-off and a fresh round at half-time. This practice helps maintain food safety and quality.
• Reheat leftovers correctly: Any perishable food that has been sitting out should be reheated to at least 165°F. When using a microwave, cover food to ensure even heating and check the temperature in multiple places.

Taking these precautions can help prevent foodborne illness while ensuring a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl gathering. So, leave the excitement on the field — and keep your kitchen and snacks safe this game day.