MDARD Encourages Michigan Residents to Start 2025 with Smart Food Safety Resolutions

Proposals due by February 6, 2025

Lansing, Mich. — As Michiganders ring in the New Year, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is encouraging food safety be prioritized as part of New Year’s resolutions. Proper food handling and preparation can prevent foodborne illnesses and keep families safe.

“New Year’s resolutions are often about fresh starts and new opportunities for healthy choices,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Improving food safety practices is a great place to kick-off a happy, healthy 2025 for you and your loved ones.”

Here are five simple food safety practices to utilize as part of healthy habits in 2025:

1. Wash Your Hands Regularly Handwashing is the first line of defense against food borne illnesses. Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food, especially raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
2. Avoid Cross-Contamination Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods. Use separate cutting boards for raw proteins and other ingredients such as fruits and vegetables. Make sure to always clean utensils and surfaces after use.
3. Use a Food Thermometer to Cook Foods to Safe Temperatures Use a food thermometer to ensure foods are cooked to the proper internal temperature. Just because it “looks done” doesn’t mean it’s cooked properly. For example, poultry should reach 165°F, while ground beef requires 160°F.
4. Refrigerate Promptly Keep perishable foods safe by storing them in the refrigerator within two hours. Ensure your refrigerator is set to 40°F or below.
5. Teach Food Safety to Others Share these tips with family and friends to promote safe food handling practices. Food safety is a shared responsibility, and knowledge is a powerful tool in preventing illness.

By adopting these resolutions, Michiganders can take meaningful steps to protect themselves and their families from foodborne illness. For more tips and resources regarding food safety, visit https://www.foodsafety.gov/ or www.Michigan.gov/foodsafety.