WHETHER YOU ARE MAKING SNACKS TO WATCH DURING A FOOTBALL GAME OR COOKING FAMILY DINNER, THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD SAFETY. 

HERE’S THE BASICS FOR PREVENTING FOODBORNE ILLNESS SAYS PUBLIC HEALTH’S DARRAH DUNLAP.

DUNLAP SAYS FOOD SHOULD BE TOSSED OUT IF IT’S BEEN SITTING OUT LONGER THAN TWO HOURS. IF IT’S HOT OUTSIDE, FOOD SHOULD ONLY BE OUT FOR ONE HOUR.

LEFTOVERS ARE ONLY GOOD FOR ABOUT THREE OR FOUR DAYS IN THE FRIDGE SAYS DUNLAP.