Council encourages safe food practises this festive season

Published on 17 December 2025

Maranoa Regional Council would like to remind residents to continue to follow safe food handling practises during the Christmas and New Year period.

While the festive season is a time to gather with family and friends over delicious food, it can also be a period where the risk of foodborne illness can increase.

 When cooking at home during this holiday season, following proper food safety practices is essential to keeping everyone healthy.

Here are some key festive food safety tips:

Storage is critical:

• Keep perishable foods like seafood, meats, dairy and prepared salads refrigerated at 5°C or below.
• Avoid overloading fridges, air circulation is essential to keep food cool. Consider alternative storage options such as eskies for non-perishable drinks to free up space for high-risk foods.

Temperature matters:

• Ensure all meats are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 75°C. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Hot food must be kept at 60°C or higher, while cold food must stay below 5°C to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria (that cause food poisoning).

Prevent cross-contamination:

• Store raw foods separately from ready-to-eat items. Use designated utensils and equipment for raw and cooked items to avoid spreading harmful bacteria.
• Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils thoroughly between tasks, especially when handling raw meat or seafood.

Food preparation and service:

• Prepare high-risk foods like dairy-based desserts, cooked seafood and salads just before serving and store them correctly until they’re needed.
• Leftovers should be refrigerated immediately and consumed within 2–3 days. Reheat thoroughly to at least 75°C before serving.
• Divide large portions of hot food into smaller, shallow containers to cool quickly before refrigerating.
• Plan ahead and thaw frozen food in the fridge, not on the bench. Bacteria grow rapidly between 5°C and 60°C.
• Be extra cautious with high-risk foods often served at festive events, such as egg-based desserts, cold seafood platters, or pre-prepared platters.

Water:

• Only use clean, potable water for cooking, washing food and making ice.
• Tank water often needs filtering or treating prior to use.

For more information, call Council on 1300 007 662.