Catering from home for functions, small or large, is not something to be taken lightly. Often, to enable yourself to take part in the fun yourself rather than slaving over a hot stove it is likely that food will be prepared in advance and thus will need to be stored prior to consumption. If not done properly the risk of food poisoning is increased. You need to plan ahead and think carefully about food safety.

Plan carefully

• DON'T make foods too far in advance.
• DO make sure you've got enough fridge and freezer space. Enlist the help of friends and neighbours to ensure you have the capacity you need if necessary.
• DON'T leave food standing around for several hours in a warm room before it is eaten.
• DO take special care with vulnerable groups: the elderly, children and ill people.

Take care with eggs

• DON'T use raw eggs in uncooked foods e.g. chocolate mousse, cake icing, and home made mayonnaise. Use pasteurised egg or commercial mayonnaise.

Avoid contaminating prepared food

• DON'T let raw foods like meat and poultry, or unwashed fruit, vegetables and salads, come into contact with food that is ready to eat.
• DO wash your hands thoroughly before touching foods and after handling raw foods like meat and poultry.

Proper temperature control is essential

• DO make sure that perishable food is kept chilled.
  This means cold meats, quiches, sausage rolls and desserts, especially cream cakes etc. Keep the most perishable foods in the fridge right up until needed. Always store cooked foods above raw, in case there are any drips.
• DO make sure that food is cooked thoroughly.
  Large meat joints and whole poultry need special care to make sure the centre is well cooked.
• If you're reheating food, DON'T do it more than once. Always reheat until piping hot all the way through.
• DO keep hot food piping hot and cold food really cold.

Be careful with cream cakes

• DON'T leave cream cakes out for a long time: bacteria will grow quickly in the cream and make it dangerous to eat.

Leftovers

• DON'T keep leftover food that has been stood around in a warm room or garden for several hours.
• DO throw leftovers away.