Food Safety on Super Bowl Sunday
The Eagles and the Chiefs are meeting for the last game of the 2022-23 NFL season. Did you know that Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest day for food consumption in the United States? The only day that ranks ahead is Thanksgiving.
U.S. households will eat an estimated 1.4 billion chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday; that’s a lot of wings. With those numbers our food preppers and cooks are very powerful people. As Uncle Ben once said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” In this case they not only have the responsibility to feed hungry football, commercial, and halftime show fans, but the responsibility to keep our food safe.
Tips for safe handling of food:
Lead a good warm-up
Every safe meal begins with proper handwashing! You and your kitchen teammates should wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. Also make sure your equipment — countertops, dishware and utensils — are washed and sanitized before using them to prepare, warm, cook or serve any foods.
Keep up the defense
Harmful bacteria can make you and your teammates sick. Don’t allow cross-contamination to ruin your gathering! Wash your hands after handling raw meat, flour and eggs. Keep all raw meat and poultry away from ready-to-eat foods and fresh produce while preparing and mixing items.
Avoid a false start
Make sure food items are properly cooked and heated to kill harmful bacteria that may try to tackle your guests. Use a food thermometer to ensure that all meat, poultry, and other cooked food items have been cooked to a safe internal temperature. Reheat previously cooked foods to a safe internal temperature of 165 °F before serving.
Here are the recommended internal temperatures for some Super Bowl party favorites: burgers and sliders – 160 °F; chicken wings – 165 °F; chili and other reheated foods – 165 °F. Bring sauces, soups and gravy to a boil when reheating.
Watch the clock
After kickoff, party-goers will be focused on the game — or patiently waiting until the halftime show. Don’t let the play clock run out on your party foods! We recommend putting foods out in batches to ensure they aren’t sitting out longer than the two-hour time limit.
Take a timeout
Before halftime, check your food with a food thermometer to make sure hot foods are still hot and cold foods are still cold. Ensure that you’re keeping crockpots with your buffalo chicken dip or spinach and artichoke dip on the “warm” or “low” setting. Use a cold source (such as a bowl of ice), underneath cold foods, and check them throughout the party to make sure dips and cheeses are still cold.
Stop the clock
Bacteria love temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F, which is called the “danger zone.” Harmful bacteria will grow rapidly if they are in this temperature environment for more than two hours. After foods have been sitting at room temperature for two hours, you have three safe play options: 1) place foods in the refrigerator; 2) change the cold sources; or 3) throw away the foods.
Score a touchdown
The game is over! Whether you’re celebrating a win or mourning a loss, make sure to complete your post-game activities. Pack any leftovers in shallow containers and put them in the fridge or freezer immediately. When you’re reheating leftovers, make sure they reach 165 °F as measured by a food thermometer.
Your household will thank you for serving delicious food and watching their “blind side” when it comes to preventing food poisoning. You’ll be a food safety champion by following these tips at your Super Bowl gathering!
Prosecutor welcomes RESA student
Adam Latunski, shown here with Clinton County Prosecuting Attorney Spagnuolo, is a senior at Dewitt High School. He’s been viewing court and learning under various prosecutor office staff. On Fridays he attends pre-trials where he gets more exposure to the legal process and an opportunity to learn directly from the Prosecutor.
Sheriff’s TEAM program highlighted
On February 7 Sheriff Dush had the pleasure of attending the T.E.A.M. program graduation ceremony at Bath Elementary School. The Teaching, Educating And Mentoring school liaison program is taught by Deputy Barber and covers a variety of topics based on grade level.
Deputy Barber had approximately 75 fifth graders who completed the program. Sheriff Dush, Deputy Barber and Bath Elementary School staff handed out certificates and t-shirts to the students upon their successful completion of the T.E.A.M. program.
Remember When – First Congregational Church in February, 2016
Paul Martis is retiring from church daily care. This is the second career track in St. Johns for Paul and Joann after having retired from his first career in Lansing.
Letters – Readers update us on D&C Store photo
1st row from left: Millie Hyler, ?, Etha Eisler, Ken Dickens, Pauline Moriarty, Hazel Worral, Mrs. Spicer. 2nd row: Dorothy Henning, Jean Perry, ?, I can’t remember the next 2 ladies, Carl Pardike & Toby Mishler. Bertha Light, directly behind Mr Dickens’ head.
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In the 2nd row, one of the unidentified women next to Carl wearing glasses is Joan Doty’s mother, Regina Haines. She was my grandmother in law.
Stephanie Doty
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The D & C Store was where Main Street Cafe is.
From: Kathy Bond
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We landed in SJ the summer of 1971. All my memories of the store come from the location where Main Street Cafe stands today, not the Global Coffee location.
I wonder when they made the move. The Dime and Cent ran for many years, but I can’t remember their final day of business – around the time that Southpoint Mall got going and Ben Franklin (before Walmart came to town, too) is my guess.
– Guven Witteveen
[Editor’s NoteL You’re right about the move. This store on the corner of Clinton and Walker is the dime store of many childhood dreams, but people of a certain age spent many happy hours in the one located down the block too.
We know that the Hicks Store was going out of business in 1961 just as some of us were leaving for college, and that was located in the place you remember as the D&C.
Now let’s put this out you readers and see if someone else can help us with this question.]
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Why Do Dogs Lick Everything?
Has licking become your dog’s favorite activity? There are many reasons dogs enjoy licking you—or everything else around them.
While some dogs lick things out of boredom, for other dogs, licking can be compulsive, providing a calming and soothing sensation. When licking is a self-stimulating activity, it could also be a sign of anxiousness or discomfort. Other dogs can lick to the point of causing secondary problems.
Whether your dog is licking the floor after a messy meal or cleaning their best friend’s face, licking is very normal. However, you should monitor your dog’s licking behaviors because some instances can be a sign of a health or behavioral issue.
Why Dogs Lick Everything
Although licking can be harmless in some cases, it can also signal an issue, whether it’s heath or behavior related.
Behavioral Issues
If your pup doesn’t seem to favor licking just one thing, it’s likely a self-soothing behavior or a compulsive habit. This habit did not start overnight and will not go away quickly. It’s also important to realize that if your dog licks everything, they have also been using licking as a way to communicate to you.
Some dogs lick habitually out of boredom. You can help prevent this type of habit from developing by providing your dog lots of stimulation and exercise throughout the day.
Try playing fetch outside or going for a walk or run with your pup. Additionally, kennel-training your pup while you are away from home for brief periods can keep them from licking objects in your home that could lead to destructive behavior or ingestion of dangerous objects.
If you are having other behavioral issues with your dog, seek assistance from your veterinarian to help rule out potential causes. If you feel your dog’s licking has become uncontrollable, it is important to recognize it early on to avoid other problems, as it can be a sign of separation anxiety.
Because such behavior can lead to destructive or harmful outcomes, you and your veterinarian can discuss options such as reaching out to professional trainers or an animal behaviorist who can thoroughly evaluate your pet.
Health Issues
When a dog licks everything, it can also be a sign of infection or gastrointestinal upset. Having your dog checked out by your vet can help you determine if there is an underlying health issue.
If you ignore your dog’s licking behavior, it can lead to self-trauma, secondary infections, or unwanted, destructive behaviors. Always speak with your veterinarian if you think your dog is showing signs of an infection, as they may need treatment.
Why Dogs Lick Specific Things
If your dog likes to lick certain things, or they like licking people or other animals, here are some potential reasons behind the behavior.
People
Dogs instinctively lick and groom themselves. Just as mother dogs will lick and clean their pups, some dogs feel the need to lick their favorite person in the world. Whether it’s a sign of respect or love for you or the left-behind crumbs from your lunch, your dog finds comfort in licking you.
Your dog may also discover that your skin tastes salty from your sweat after a gym session, so they will want to lick it. They also know that licking you will get your attention, so many dogs will lick you to distract you from whatever else you are focused on so you can pet them.
Sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of licking, so it’s good to check with your veterinarian to rule out other issues.
Air
Your dog licking at the air does not always come after smelling freshly baked cookies. Dogs can start to lick their lips in anticipation of a meal or a treat.
Excessive licking at the air, however, can be the result of a neurologic or compulsive disorder. If your pet has not been evaluated recently by your veterinarian, take them for a physical exam. Your veterinarian will be able to rule out any neurologic diseases as well as dental pain or dental disease, as licking the air can be a sign of discomfort.
Couches/Furniture
Although it may seem gross, sweat from you or food from a late-night snack can be left behind in the furniture, leaving a wonderful treat your dog can find and enjoy later. Dogs will also lick furniture to explore their surroundings and survey the area for any new activity.
Keeping your furniture clear of crumbs and cleaning the surfaces can help prevent your furniture from being soaked in saliva.
If your dog’s furniture licking appears to be a continuous, compulsive activity, try offering fun and tasty toys or interactive games to keep your dog busy and so they can’t destroy your couch or other furniture. Daily exercise can also burn excess energy that pets may have at the end of the day.
Flooring or Carpet
Dogs may lick the floor or carpet to clean up a mess, but it can lead to destructive behavior where your dog is eating or destroying things. Licking the floor can also become a compulsive habit.
Keep your dog entertained and stimulated throughout the day to ensure they do not resort to licking and possibly chewing the floor. Offer lots of playtime and chew toys as alternatives if your dog is fascinated by carpet. Keep the floor clean and clear of foods or objects, which could be toxic to your dog or result in an obstruction.
Have your veterinarian examine your dog regularly to rule out diseases as well.
Their Toys
Does your dog suddenly seem fascinated with licking their toys? Although some toys have a tasty covering, some dogs will lick their toys for a soothing sensation, especially after they are reunited with a favorite toy.
Finding comfort in familiar toys and surroundings can bring dogs a sense of calmness. Therefore, licking their toys in moderation is typically not a sign of any deeper issue.
Each Other (Other Dogs’ Ears, Eyes, Mouths, etc.)
– Some dogs will lick their furry best friend for various reasons, including:
– Comfort/communication with their companion
– Exploring
– Sign of infection (e.g., ear infection, conjunctivitis, gingivitis)
Dogs licking other dogs can be sweet and cute. However, it should be avoided in excess, as it can also lead to other problems. By introducing bacteria from one dog to another, it can lead to new infections. It is best to not let the licking be in excess, as it can lead to further irritation of infections.
Their Own Paws/Tails/Backs/Legs/Lips/Groin Area
Does your furry friend spend the day licking their feet, or an immense amount of time taking care of self-hygiene?
Dog will lick themselves for grooming needs, but it can also be a sign of allergies or other skin conditions, especially if the area is reddened, missing hair, or appears abnormal in any way. If you notice these signs, reach out to your veterinarian, as they could be signs of dermatitis or skin inflammation.
The most common skin infections are caused by an allergen in the environment, which leads to further skin infections that require treatment. Your vet will prescribe oral medications if needed or may recommend placing an e-collar or “cone of shame” on your dog to avoid further irritation to infected or itchy areas.
If your dog is consistently licking an area but you do not see any irritated skin, it is still best to check with your veterinarian, as it could be a sign of joint pain or arthritis.