🎄 Eat, Drink & Be Wary

Holiday Food Safety & Why ServSafe Alcohol Certification is the Gift That Keeps on Giving

The holidays are here—and that means kitchens are busy, glasses are clinking, and parties are in full swing. But amidst the carols and cocktails, don’t forget: foodborne illnesses and alcohol service mishaps love a good holiday too.

Whether you're hosting a Christmas dinner, working behind the bar, or prepping for a busy New Year’s Eve, here are some essential safety tips to keep everyone merry, bright, and safe.

🍗 A Christmas Feast—Not a Food Fright

🎅 Keep Hot Foods Hot & Cold Foods Cold

Buffets, potlucks, and holiday spreads are festive favorites—but they’re also playgrounds for bacteria if food is left sitting out.

• Hot foods should be kept at 140°F or warmer

• Cold foods should be at 40°F or cooler

• The 2-Hour Rule still applies—after that, refrigerate or toss it

🍪 Cookie Caution: Say No to Raw Dough

Santa may be immune, but we aren’t. Raw eggs and flour can carry Salmonella or E. coli. Keep those sweet traditions safe by baking before tasting!

🧊 The Fridge Shuffle: Safe Storage

After the feast, cool down leftovers within 2 hours, divide into shallow containers, and label them.
🎁 Pro Tip: Leftovers last 3–4 days in the fridge, 2–6 months in the freezer.

🧼 The Gift of Cleanliness

Before you touch that turkey—or those tongs—wash your hands.
20 seconds of scrubbing can save your whole family from a post-dinner disaster.

🧽 Don’t forget to:

• Sanitize cutting boards and surfaces

• Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods

• Use a food thermometer to make sure your meats hit safe temps

🍸 Ring in the New Year Responsibly: Get ServSafe Alcohol Certified

As we move from Christmas cocoa to New Year’s cocktails, it’s the perfect time to get ServSafe Alcohol certified.

Why It Matters:

• New Year’s is one of the busiest alcohol-serving nights of the year

• Certification ensures you know how to check IDs, prevent over-service, and spot fake IDs

• It shows you’re a trusted, responsible professional—and many states require it!

🎓 ServSafe Alcohol Certification is fast, powerful, and can be completed online. Whether you're bartending at a hotel party, managing staff, or just want to stay prepared—this course helps you start 2025 on the right foot.

🎁 Final Sip of Holiday Wisdom

The holidays are meant to be joyful—not memorable for the wrong reasons. From avoiding undercooked turkey to keeping guests safe behind the bar, a little knowledge goes a long way.

This season, give the gift of safety—to yourself, your guests, and your customers.

🎄 Happy Holidays and Cheers to a Safe, Successful New Year from all of us at Elite Food Safety Training!
Be Sharp. Be Safe. Be Elite.