November 6, 2025
Posted by: OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers
Food is at the heart of holiday celebrations, from festive potlucks to family feasts. But with all the cooking, sharing, and leftovers, food safety can sometimes take a back seat. Unfortunately, that can lead to serious food-borne illness.
If you develop food poisoning because someone mishandled food, you could face medical bills, lost income, and lasting health effects. Contact the legal team at OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers at (888) 828-7087. We can review your case and assist you in pursuing compensation through a food poisoning claim.
Holiday cooking often means more dishes, more guests, and more potential for cross-contamination. Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving turkey or a Christmas ham, follow these essential safety steps to protect your family and guests.
Wash your hands, utensils, and kitchen surfaces often. Use warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after touching food, especially raw meat or eggs.
Keep cutting boards, dishes, and utensils clean between uses, and sanitize countertops frequently. Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and don’t forget to wipe down can lids before opening them. Clean preparation areas are the first line of defense against bacteria.
Raw foods can easily spread harmful germs to ready-to-eat items. Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs away from other foods in your shopping cart, refrigerator, and grocery bags.
Use a dedicated cutting board for raw meats, and never reuse marinades that have come into contact with raw food unless they’ve been boiled first. Preventing cross-contamination is crucial; a single slip can lead to widespread illness.
Cooking food to the proper temperature is one of the most effective ways to kill bacteria. Always use a food thermometer — color alone isn’t a reliable indicator of doneness.
Safe minimum cooking temperatures include:
If you’re serving buffet-style or potluck meals, keep hot foods hot. Bacteria can grow quickly once the food cools to room temperature.
Refrigeration prevents bacteria from multiplying. Always follow the two-hour rule: refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours of cooking or purchasing.
Never thaw frozen foods on the counter. Instead, use safe methods such as thawing in the refrigerator, under cold water, or in the microwave. Marinate meats in the fridge, not at room temperature.
A properly chilled kitchen can mean the difference between a delicious meal and a dangerous one.
Food poisoning can strike even when you follow every rule. If you become ill, you may feel reluctant to hold anyone accountable, especially during the holidays. But your sickness might not stem from your home-cooked meal. Sometimes, the problem starts with contaminated ingredients from a manufacturer or supplier.
A food safety lawyer can help trace the source of your illness, determine liability, and pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t assume it’s your fault — let an experienced legal team investigate.
If you or a loved one became ill after eating mishandled or contaminated food, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The lawyers at OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers specialize in food-borne illness cases and know how to obtain answers and results.
Call (888) 828-7087 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today. We’ll review your case and fight to hold the responsible party accountable so you can focus on recovery.
