Keep Your Festive Feasts Safe This Summer
Summer is here, and with it comes the excitement of family gatherings, barbecues, and festive celebrations. But while we all love a spread of delicious food, it’s also the time of year when festive season food safety is especially important. Every year in Australia, millions of people get sick from contaminated food—and during the holidays, some of our loved ones, like little ones, older relatives, pregnant friends, or anyone with a weaker immune system, are particularly at risk.
The Food Safety Information Council has shared some fantastic tips for keeping your summer entertaining safe, and we at Monika think they’re worth following. Here’s the lowdown:
1. Shop Smart
It’s tempting to buy everything in sight for your festive spread, but more isn’t always better. Overbuying not only increases food waste but also raises the risk of spoilage and contamination.
Top tips:
- Grab perishable items last, and get them home quickly. Keep meat, dairy, and seafood on ice during transport.
- Check use-by dates carefully, especially on bargain items.
- Ask your guests if they have food allergies or intolerances before planning the menu. A little planning goes a long way.
2. Skip the Chicken Bath
Many people still wash raw poultry before cooking—but this actually spreads bacteria around your kitchen. Poultry is already cleaned during processing, so rinsing it yourself is unnecessary and unsafe.
Top tips:
- Cook poultry to 75°C in the thickest part, checking with a meat thermometer.
- If a whole turkey feels intimidating, go for a turkey breast—it’s simpler to cook and easier to handle.
- If you do buy a whole turkey, ask your butcher or supermarket if they have fresh ones (not frozen) and make sure you have enough cold storage space until cooking.
3. Separate, Don’t Contaminate
Cross-contamination is a major cause of foodborne illness. Raw meats and ready-to-eat foods should never mix.
Top tips:
- Use separate cutting boards, knives, and utensils for raw meats and fresh foods.
- Store raw meat on the bottom shelf of the fridge to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods.
4. Chill Out (Your Drinks and Food)
Keeping your fridge at the right temperature is crucial—but sometimes space is tight during summer entertaining.
Top tips:
- Place shelf-stable drinks in an esky, container, or even the laundry sink filled with ice to free up fridge space.
- Keep your fridge at 5°C or below—colder is better. Use a thermometer to double-check.
- Avoid opening the fridge too often; every time you do, the temperature rises and perishable foods are at risk.
5. Handle Ham With Care
Ham is a Christmas favourite, but it needs proper storage to stay safe.
Top tips:
- Check storage instructions and best-before/use-by dates before unwrapping.
- Cover ham with a clean cloth soaked in water and vinegar (about 1 litre water + 2 tablespoons vinegar). Keep the cloth moist and change it every three days.
- Store ham in the fridge at or below 5°C. Reduced-salt hams don’t last as long, so freeze any portion you won’t use in the next 2–3 days.
6. Serve in Phases
Summer heat can turn your spread into a danger zone in no time. Perishable foods should never sit out unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
Top tips:
- Put out small portions at a time and replenish from the fridge, rather than topping up old food.
- Cover foods to protect them from flies, dust, and accidental sneezes.
- Foods to watch: cold meats, soft cheeses (Brie, Camembert), cooked seafood, dips, pâtés, sushi, salads, and anything chilled.
7. Love Your Leftovers
Leftovers are a great way to reduce waste—but only if they’re stored safely.
Top tips:
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers as soon as possible.
- If perishable foods have been out for less than two hours, they’re generally safe to eat.
- For longer storage, portion into small, airtight containers and freeze. Use refrigerated leftovers within 2–3 days.
Pro Tip: Don’t trust random online “food hacks.” Stick to reputable sources like the Food Safety Information Council, FSANZ, or your local State/Territory food authority.
Want even more practical advice for hosting a safe and enjoyable summer feast? Don’t miss our 6 food safety tips for the Christmas summer period — a handy companion full of easy reminders for your festive celebrations.
At Monika, we want you enjoying your summer gatherings, not stressing about food safety. Follow these simple tips, and your festive season will be safe, delicious, and full of happy memories.
Article Source: Food Safety Information Council, 2025 Summer Food Safety Campaign.