Caution and common sense needed at Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2014

There are strict rules to follow for your holiday spread. (Flickr)

By Terry James

BLOOMINGTON – Use caution and common sense.  That's the advice from Illinois Department of Insurance Spokeswoman Kimberly Parker especially when it comes to food.

"If a dish is supposed to be cold make sure it's cold, if a dish is supposed to be hot make sure it's hot," said Parker. "Don't leave food unattended."

Parker said food should be left out for no more than two hours.  She says leaving food out for too long could cause bacteria to form.

Terry James can be reached at [email protected].

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