Holiday Food Safety

This toolkit provides language, graphics and other marketing resources to help you share UGA Extension resources on food safety.

Key messaging

Information on food safety: Food safety is crucial, especially around holidays when families gather to share meals. With about 48 million cases of foodborne illness each year in the U.S., or one in six Americans affected, proper food handling and preparation are essential. Foodborne illnesses are often caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites that can be present in common foods like produce, meat and dairy. Food safety practices include washing hands, utensils and surfaces often, separating raw meat from other food to avoid cross-contamination, cooking foods to safe internal temperatures, refrigerating perishable foods within two hours, and reheating leftovers to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any bacteria that may have grown during storage.

Sample post captions

Use the hashtag: #UGAExtension #FoodSafety
Tag CAES in your posts: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter/X
Tag UGA Extension in your posts: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

Fourth of July

Facebook

Hosting a #FourthOfJuly cookout? Don’t let foodborne illnesses crash the party! Keep raw meats separate, use a food thermometer and be sure to wash hands for a spread that’s as safe as it is tasty. More #FoodSafetyTips at: https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1309

Instagram

Happy #FourthOfJuly! 🇺🇸 While you’re firing up the grill, remember that food safety should be a top priority! We’ve got you covered with 10 easy tips for outdoor cooking. Read more at our #linkinbio.

Twitter/X

This #FourthOfJuly, celebrate with fireworks, fun AND safe food! 🇺🇸 Follow our 10 essential outdoor cooking tips to keep your meals delicious and foodborne illness-free. Check them out at: https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1309

Thanksgiving

Facebook

As everyone is gathering for a delicious #Thanksgiving meal, don’t forget to practice #FoodSafety! One in six Americans gets sick from foodborne illnesses each year, but you can reduce the risk with easy steps: wash, separate, cook and chill. These simple tips can protect your family and guests. Learn more at: https://nchfp.uga.edu/!

instagram

Hosting #Thanksgiving dinner? Make food safety a top priority! Simple practices like washing hands, using separate cutting boards, cooking foods to the right temperatures and refrigerating leftovers help reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Keep your holiday gatherings healthy and safe! Find resources and more at the #linkinbio.

Twitter/X

This Thanksgiving, practice #FoodSafety while cooking your favorite dishes! With 48 million cases of foodborne illness each year in the U.S., it’s important to understand and reduce the risk. Learn more at https://nchfp.uga.edu/!

Winter holidays

Facebook

The best gift this Christmas? A safe holiday meal! Protect loved ones from foodborne illness by following four key steps: wash, separate, cook and chill. A little preparation makes for a happy, healthy holiday! You can learn more at https://nchfp.uga.edu/!

Instagram

The best gift you can give this holiday season? A feast that’s festive AND food-safe! 🎁 ✨Follow these 10 food safety tips to keep your Christmas meals delicious and worry-free. Swipe for more details 🎄🍽️

Here are our top tips:
✅ Keep raw and cooked foods separate
✅ Use a food thermometer (no guesswork!)
✅ Store leftovers properly—don’t let them sit out too long

Twitter/X

❄️ The weather outside might be frightful, but #FoodSafety doesn’t have to be! While you’re roasting chestnuts by the fire, follow these 10 tips to keep your holiday meals merry, bright and bacteria-free: https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1309 🎁✨

Digital Assets

Resources

Before posting on social media, be sure to review our social media guidelines and ensure your posts are compliant with the most recent accessibility standards using our digital accessibility handbook. Ask yourself these key questions before posting:

Questions

Please contact Jo McLaughlin at jo.mclaughlin@uga.edu with any questions.