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The holidays are a time of family, food and fun. However, the festivities and busy schedules can also make it a time for people to forget food safety guidelines.

"Food safety tips are always important, and especially during the holidays when cooking for a crowd," Dana Angelo White, a nutritionist and Quinnipiac University's clinical assistant professor of athletic training and sports medicine, said in a statement. "Proper hand washing is a must!"

White recommends that people provide their guests with festive and scented soaps to encourage them to wash their hands, according to HealthDay.

She recommends that people use separate cutting boards for raw meats and seafood to prevent cross contamination. Raw meats and poultry should also be placed at the bottom part of the fridge to prevent drippings from contaminating other foods.

People should also invest in a meat thermometer to check that meat and poultry have been fully cooked. Foods that have been prepared ahead of time should also be reheated thoroughly before they are eaten.

White said that food should not remain out on the table at room temperature for more than two hours, and any foods that have been sitting for more than that time should be refrigerated or reheated.