In much the same way we expect food service professionals to comply with food safety practices, we should also consider food safety in our own kitchens – especially around the festive season when fridges are full and cooked meals might be sitting out for extended periods of time. No one wants to be affected by a food-borne illness at the best of times – you certainly don’t want to be affected by one when you’re on your Christmas holidays. It’s important to understand the basics around safe food handling and cooking to avoid becoming ill yourself or potentially spreading illness to friends and family members.