Restaurant
and Take-Out Safety
These days, many people eat out
or take home ready-made meals.
Eating in a restaurant, cafeteria, or
a fast-food place can be safe and
fun. But you should take steps to be
sure your food is safe. Follow these
simple rules for food safety.
If you leave food out for more than
two hours, throw it away. Germs
that make food go bad can grow
if you don’t keep food at the right
temperature. Store food in the
fridge or freezer or in the oven/
stove.
• Keep hot foods in the oven/stove
at 145 degrees Fahrenheit/63
degrees Celsius or higher.
• Keep cold foods at 40 degrees
Fahrenheit/4 degrees Celsius or
lower in the fridge or freezer.
What are the safety rules for hot
food?
When you buy hot cooked food,
eat it within two hours or keep it
heating in the oven at 165 degrees
Fahrenheit/74 degrees Celsius or
higher. That will keep germs from
growing.
What are the safety rules for cold
food?
Cold food should also be eaten
within two hours or put in the fridge
or freezer for later.
How should I reheat a meal?
Follow these rules for meals you
buy hot or cold.
• Heat food until it is hot and
steaming (at least to 165 degrees
Fahrenheit/74 degrees Celsius).
• Bring gravy to a rolling boil.
• When reheating food in a
microwave, cover the food and
stir it for even cooking. Turn the
dish by hand once or twice while
cooking. Cold spots let germs live
and can make you sick.
What if I’m eating at a restaurant?
• See if a restaurant looks clean
before you even sit down. If the
restaurant does not look clean to
you, you should eat somewhere
else.
• Always order your food fully
cooked, especially meat, poultry,
fish, and eggs. That’s what kills
germs. When your hot meal
comes, make sure it’s very hot and
thoroughly cooked before you eat
it. If it’s not, send it back.
• Don’t eat eggs that are raw or not
fully cooked. These can hide in
Caesar salads, custards, and some
sauces.
• Don’t eat raw oysters.
FDA Office of Women’s Health http://www.fda.gov/womens
What about the doggie bag?
Be careful with leftovers. Will you
get home within two hours after
your meal? If not, leave the leftovers
behind.
Your car can get very warm inside.
Germs can grow fast. It is best to
take your food home right away.
That way, your leftovers can go
safely into the fridge.
A good rule to follow is: when in
doubt, throw it out!