Many of us are right in the thick of planning family gatherings filled with home-cooked meals and special recipes for the holidays. However, hosting a safe and enjoyable holiday celebration involves more than just delicious food—it requires attention to essential food safety practices to prevent foodborne illnesses. Each year, about 1 in 6 Americans experience foodborne illness, according to the CDC, making food safety a priority as we enter the season of large gatherings.

To support families in making these celebrations safe, the Home Baking Association (HBA), with the support of the North American Millers’ Association, recorded a free webinar presentation titled “From Prep to Plate: Food Safety at Large Gatherings” conducted by Partnership for Food Safety Education. The presentation offers insights from food safety experts who provide practical, science-based advice on food handling, cooking, and baking safety.

What You’ll Learn:

Essential meat handling, preparation, and cooking tips to keep main dishes safe.

Key recommendations for safe flour handling and baking practices.

Scientific insights behind these food safety principles, making it easier to follow at home.

This session brings together expert voices in food safety, including Meredith Carothers, MPH, of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service; Sharon Davis of the Home Baking Association; and Katie Weston of the Partnership for Food Safety Education. Each speaker has shared their unique expertise, offering actionable guidance for safe, healthy holiday meals.

In the spirit of our partnership with the North American Millers’ Association, HBA is committed to equipping families with knowledge to make gatherings both memorable and safe. Attendees can start preparing early with Home Baking Association Baking Food Safety Resources, a collection of valuable tips and guides for keeping holiday baking safe and delicious, as well as resources from Partnership for Food Safety Education.

Be safe and let’s work together to create a season filled with healthy holiday memories!