For many New Mexican families, tamales are a beloved holiday tradition. The process of making them often brings loved ones together, but without proper food safety, it can also bring some unwanted guests: foodborne illnesses.Keep raw meat and poultry away from other ingredients by using different cutting boards and utensils to prevent cross-contamination. With so many ingredients involved, it's important to keep the masa chilled and the meat warm to maintain freshness. Always ensure that the meat is fully cooked before it's added to your tamales."Make sure that the internal temperature is 165 degrees to try to avoid killing any of the bacteria once they're made," Dr. Jose Acosta with the Department of Health said. "And should be eaten within two hours. If it's going to be more than two hours, you should keep them refrigerated."Different types of meat have different recommended cooking temperatures, so check the appropriate level with a food thermometer. And don't forget the basics -- always wash your hands thoroughly before and during food preparation.

For many New Mexican families, tamales are a beloved holiday tradition. The process of making them often brings loved ones together, but without proper food safety, it can also bring some unwanted guests: foodborne illnesses.

Keep raw meat and poultry away from other ingredients by using different cutting boards and utensils to prevent cross-contamination. With so many ingredients involved, it's important to keep the masa chilled and the meat warm to maintain freshness.

Always ensure that the meat is fully cooked before it's added to your tamales.

"Make sure that the internal temperature is 165 degrees to try to avoid killing any of the bacteria once they're made," Dr. Jose Acosta with the Department of Health said. "And should be eaten within two hours. If it's going to be more than two hours, you should keep them refrigerated."

Different types of meat have different recommended cooking temperatures, so check the appropriate level with a food thermometer. And don't forget the basics -- always wash your hands thoroughly before and during food preparation.