A Super Bowl party can quickly go south if food safety is ignored.

That's why nutrition educator at the University of Illinois Caitlin Mellendorf is sending out a few reminders for this Super Bowl weekend. Whether you're serving a large group, which is being discouraged this year, or a couple of friends or family, food safety is important.

If you'll be serving foods that require a maintained temperature, Mellendorf recommends a bowl of ice for those cold foods or a slow cooker for those warm foods.

If you are not going to try to keep foods hot or cold, Mellendorf says to give those foods about a two-hour limit before either deciding to put them away or throw them out.

If you're preparing food, Mellendorf says hand washing is the number one thing to remember. Other reminders include making sure those meats have reached their proper temperature. If you are transitioning from one food to another, make sure you wash those surfaces before bringing in new food.

And again, wash your hands. 

Mellendorf indicates the USDA has a great resource available online about food safety and the recommended temperatures for meats to be cooked at.