Melissa Dobbins is a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, and a dietitian for NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, and she joined us in our ABC7 studio to talk about desktop dining tips. Follow Melissa on Twitter at @MelissaJoyRD.
Tips from Home Food Safety:
- Keep perishable foods refrigerated below 40 degrees F (use a refrigerator thermometer).
- Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator or microwave, not on the countertop.
- Use an insulated lunch bag with freezer pack if a refrigerator is not available.
- Re-heat leftovers to the proper temperature of 165 degrees F.
- From the time you make your lunch at home - assuming it contains perishable food items - don't let more than two hours pass before you put it in the refrigerator. Don't let lunchtime leftovers remain unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
- Wash hands before and after digging into your desktop dish, or keep moist towelettes or an antibacterial hand cleaner at your desk.
- If you carry your lunch in a reusable tote or insulated bag, don't forget to wash it frequently.
