Food safety tools make good gifts

By Carol Ann Burtness, University of Minnesota Extension

Food safety tools added to your gift list will help keep food safe and your loved ones healthy. Consider putting several tools together for one present, or use them as stocking-stuffers.

Here are some ideas:

Food thermometers: Food thermometers are the only way to tell if food is cooked to recommended temperatures to destroy harmful bacteria. They also help prevent overcooking or serving dried-up food.
< Instant-read thermometers, either dial or digital, quickly measure the temperature of food near the end of the cooking time. Digital thermometers usually cost more than dial, but may be easier to read than dial.
< Oven-safe thermometers remain in the food during cooking. If the thermometer is not left in the food during cooking, it can take as long as one to two minutes to register the correct temperature.
< Oven-cord thermometers include a digital probe that is inserted into the food and attached to a long wire that connects to a base unit outside the oven or grill. Set the desired temperature and the unit beeps when it reaches that temperature. This thermometer may be difficult to find and is more expensive.

Appliance thermometers: Buy one for both the refrigerator and freezer. Freezer temperatures should be zero degrees or lower. The recommended refrigerator temperature is between 32 to 40 degrees to ensure that the internal temperature of refrigerated food is 40 degrees or colder.

Color-coded cutting boards: Prevent cross-contamination by using different colored cutting boards for different foods. For example, cut raw meat, poultry and fish on a red board; prepare raw fruits and vegetables on a green board; and slice bread on a yellow board.