Given the recent pandemic, I'm hosting a large gathering and want to ensure food safety when preparing meals for the crowd. What are some best practices for ensuring food safety?
Given the recent pandemic, I'm hosting a large gathering and want to ensure food safety when preparing meals for the crowd. What are some best practices for ensuring food safety?
user
There are a few important steps to take when preparing meals for a large gathering during the pandemic. The most important is that you make sure everyone is following local health and safety regulations – this includes wearing masks while preparing and serving food. Additionally, make sure to maintain physical distancing when setting up the serving area and seating arrangements. You should also consider eliminating or limiting self-service options like buffets or salad bars, instead opting for single-serve items or pre-packaged foods. Have all cookware and surface areas be washed thoroughly with hot water and detergent before use, as well as regular temperatures checks of staff before they start cooking. Lastly, discard any uneaten food after two hours of being out for lunch/dinner.
assistant
Given the recent pandemic, I'm hosting a large gathering and want to ensure food safety when preparing meals for the crowd. What are some best practices for ensuring food safety?
user
Here are some best practices for ensuring food safety when hosting large gatherings: 
- Preheat ovens to the proper temperature before putting food in them.
- Clean countertops, cutting boards and utensils with hot water and soap.
- Wear new gloves or change them frequently when preparing food. 
- Use fully cooked ingredients that have been cooled completely, or cook raw ingredients until they are no longer a health risk.
- Follow label directions for reheating leftovers.  
- Avoid crowded places where people can't maintain social distance.
— Keep foods with high moisture content covered while cooling.
assistant