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Published on September 7, 2025
Brad Peters, Founder, Director, CEO of HRBUniversal & The Plate & Pour Collective Equity Partner Program
As the 2025 football season kicks off, fans across the city are firing up their grills and filling up their coolers. Tailgating is a time-honored tradition, but amid the fun, it’s easy to fumble on food safety. Health experts are urging fans to follow a few simple guidelines to ensure their game day celebration doesn’t get sidelined by foodborne illness.
Food safety is crucial, especially in Houston’s hot and humid climate. Bacteria can multiply rapidly in what’s known as the “Danger Zone,” a temperature range between 41°F and 135°F. Leaving food out for too long can turn a festive feast into a health hazard.
Here’s a winning food safety game plan for your 2025 tailgating season:
Pre-Game Prep: The Right Equipment & Practices
- Pack Smart: Use a well-insulated cooler with plenty of ice or frozen gel packs to keep perishable foods at or below 40°F. Use a separate cooler for beverages, as it will be opened more frequently, causing the temperature to rise.
- Prevent Cross-Contamination: Keep raw meats, poultry, and seafood in a separate, sealed container at the bottom of the cooler to prevent juices from leaking and contaminating other foods. Pack clean platters and utensils for serving cooked food—never use the same ones that held raw meat.
- Marinate in the Fridge: Always marinate food in the refrigerator, not on the counter. If you plan to use some of the marinade as a sauce, set a portion aside before adding the raw meat.
On the Field: Grilling & Serving Safely
- Hand Hygiene is Key: Pack a handwashing station with water, soap, and paper towels. If that’s not possible, bring hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food, and before eating.
- Cook to Temperature: Don’t rely on sight alone. Use a food thermometer to check that meats are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Ground beef, pork, veal, and lamb: 155°F
- Steaks, chops, and roasts (beef, pork, veal, lamb): 145°F, with a three-minute rest time
- All poultry (including ground): 165°F
- Keep Hot Foods Hot: Once cooked, keep hot foods on a warming tray, in a slow cooker, or on the side of the grill until serving to keep them at or above 135°F.
Post-Game: Don’t Get Tackled by Leftovers
- The Two-Hour Rule: Perishable food should not be left out for more than two hours. In temperatures above 90°F, this time is reduced to just one hour. When in doubt, throw it out!
- Safe Storage for Leftovers: If you’re saving leftovers, make sure the cooler still has ice and the food is at a safe temperature (41°F or below). Discard any food that has been left sitting out too long.
- Clean Up: Once the party’s over, remember to thoroughly clean your coolers and utensils to prevent bacterial growth.
By following these simple safety tips, you can enjoy all the food, fun, and football the 2025 season has to offer without the risk of a foodborne illness.
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