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Christmas is coming, and Santa’s elves aren’t the only ones helping him prepare for the big day. Food safety and quality assurance professionals weighed in to make sure food safety was at the top of Santa’s list this year.
Last month, QA contributing editor Dr. Darin Detwiler posted the following on his LinkedIn profile:
“Mrs. Claus
North Pole
November 29, 2024
Dear Dr. Detwiler,
I hope this letter finds you well! Now that Thanksgiving is over and the Big Day approaches, I find myself increasingly worried about Santa’s health during his long Christmas Eve journey. He has always been fond of snacking on cookies, milk, and other treats, but I know these foods can pose risks when left unrefrigerated for hours aboard his sleigh.
Given that Santa is no spring chicken (and let’s face it, he’s part of one of the vulnerable populations of consumers), I want to ensure that the food I pack for him this year is safe for such an extended trip around the world.
Could you kindly ask your network of Food Safety Heroes (who have always been on Santa's 'Good' list) to provide me with some best advice on food safety to keep him fueled without putting his health at risk? Any guidance on hygiene, touching animals, eating cookies from strangers, proper food handling, and even food storage throughout his trip would also be greatly appreciated.
With warm regards,
Mrs. Claus”
The following are some of the responses he received:
“I know Mr. Claus needs a lot of energy to deliver all the presents all over the world getting in and out the fireplaces at high speed! I’d recommend you prepare his food, following these food safety tips:
🎒Pack just the amount of perishable food that Santa & the helpers will be eaten during the trip. That way, there won't be a problem about the storage.
🌙 Prepare Santa’s food the night before, but pack his lunch box right before leaving the North Pole.
❄️ Insulated lunch boxes are best for keeping low temps; to keep them cold away from the North Pole, include at least two cold sources (to place them on top and bottom of the perishable items). You can use two frozen gel packs (not smaller than 5x3-inches each) or combine a frozen gel pack with a frozen juice box or frozen bottle of water. Freeze gel packs overnight.
🥪Freezing sandwiches (and cookies!) helps them stay cold. However, for best quality, don't freeze sandwiches containing mayonnaise, lettuce, or tomatoes; Santa can add these later.” — Tatiana Miranda
“Please remind Santa to thorough wash any carrots left out for the reindeer. I would recommend getting him a portable HOCl unit, this will help ensure that he will safely make his way back home to the North Pole.
It would also be helpful to notify the children and their families if Santa has any allergies. Or potentially ask the children to provide allergy free treats. Like fruits and vegetables, he could use the portable HOCl unit to ensure that they are free of pathogens. We all want Santa to stay healthy and we know good nutrition with a whole food diet free of cross contamination can be an important factor.
Hand washing is another important process in proper personal hygiene, this should take Santa 20 seconds, please remind him to use a disposable paper towel and to use the paper towel to open the door as he leaves each home. I’m sure he already knows about the mischievous boys and girls that don’t wash their hands and spread norovirus.
And if Santa were to not feel well I’m sure you or a Sr. Elf would be happy to fill in and fulfill his duties. As we would not want him to potentially spread communicable disease. And putting other individuals that are immune compromised at risk.” — Elena Montoya
“Mrs. Claus, 🤶 don’t forget to pack ice packs ❄️ with Santa’s cold food 🥗 and keep his hot food nice and toasty 🔥 in heated containers! 🍲🎅 And Santa! ❄️ Maybe skip the milk that’s been sitting out all evening… 🥴 Stick to the cookies instead! 🍪🎅” — Francine Shaw
“We don’t yet know the risks of Avian Flu transmission to reindeer, but it’s been found in poultry, dairy cows and dairy workers in multiple locations. Since Santa and his team of reindeer travel far and wide, I’d recommend diligence in keeping them separate from potential sources of infection. This includes maids a’ milking, swans a’ swimming, geese a’ laying, calling birds, French hens, turtledoves, and partridges, in pear trees or not. Use good entry and exit hygiene for hands and footwear for every new location visited. That should help protect him (and you!) from H5N1!” — Brendan Niemira
“Just a reminder for Santa when he is out delivering in the Midwest of the US, do not partake of any "tiger meat" or "cannibal sandwiches.” This is a common holiday dish out there and contains raw ground meat, usually beef, seasoned with spices and onion and sometimes raw eggs, and served on bread or a cracker. Not a good way to start the New Year! 🤢” — Wendy Hess
“Santa's health and safety are of paramount importance, especially during his demanding Christmas Eve journey.
Food Safety for Santa's Long Journey:
Pre-packaged, shelf-stable foods are key🍎: Avoid perishable items. Opt for individually wrapped, commercially produced treats that are shelf stable. Think energy bars, beef jerky, dried fruits, and nuts (be mindful of any allergies). These minimize the risk of spoilage and foodborne illness.
Temperature control is crucial 🌡️: While a sleigh might not have a refrigerator, consider insulated containers and cool packs to keep food at 40 F or below. Pack a thermometer to verify the temperature. Remind him to not consume food items that are over 40 F for over 2 hours.
Hygiene 🧼🤲: Pack plenty of hand sanitizer and wipes with at least 60% alcohol for Santa and his elves when they don’t have access to water. Regular handwashing is crucial, especially after handling gifts and interacting with children.
Limit contact with animals 🦌: Santa's interactions with reindeer are essential, but he should minimize touching other animals he might encounter during his journey. This can help avoid potential exposure to zoonotic diseases.” — Beverly Lopez
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