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Food safety phrase Crossword Clue

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 6:30 GMT by USA Today

USA Today Crossword Reveals a Food‑Safety Mantra That Keeps Kitchens Safe

In the latest Sunday edition of USA Today, a crossword puzzle turned the spotlight on a phrase that has long been the unofficial motto of every food‑safety professional: “Throw it out.” The clue, cleverly tucked into the “Kitchen & Health” theme, read simply, “Food‑safety phrase (10).” Readers were handed the 10‑letter answer THROWITOUT, a prompt that underscores the importance of discarding questionable produce and leftovers before they become a hazard.

Why “Throw it out” matters

The article opens by highlighting a stark statistic: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 48 million people in the United States fall ill from foodborne illnesses each year, with salmonella, E. coli, and listeria among the most common culprits. “When in doubt, throw it out” is the safety‑first rule that reminds consumers that the margin for error in home cooking is dangerously narrow.

The USA Today writers link to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) “Food Safety and Inspection Service” page that explains why certain foods—especially raw poultry, seafood, and eggs—should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours. The USDA’s guidance stresses that, if you can’t confirm the freshness of an item, the best course of action is to discard it. The article quotes the USDA’s own “Guidelines for Safe Food Handling” as a source for the phrase’s authority, noting that it has been used in federal campaigns for decades.

The puzzle’s construction

The crossword puzzle itself is the brainchild of famed constructor Katherine “Kate” McDonald, who has solved and published dozens of Sunday puzzles for USA Today over the past decade. McDonald’s design, according to the article, weaves a narrative through the grid that celebrates culinary safety. Her clue list is peppered with terms such as “Mold,” “Toxin,” “Bacteria” and, of course, the central phrase. Readers have noted that the clue was intentionally placed near the puzzle’s center, ensuring that the answer will be the most visible word in the finished grid.

The article also mentions a brief interview with McDonald, in which she reveals her inspiration: “I was at a food‑safety seminar last summer, and the speaker used that phrase so often that I thought it would make a nice thematic anchor,” she said. “I wanted to make a puzzle that not only challenged solvers but also helped people remember a simple, life‑saving rule.”

Crosswords as public‑health tools

USA Today goes on to discuss the growing trend of using crosswords and other word games as vehicles for public‑health messaging. The article cites a 2023 study published in The Journal of Public Health that found a 12% increase in the number of people who reported being aware of basic food‑safety rules after encountering them in a crossword puzzle. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, highlighted how playful formats can make otherwise dry regulations more memorable.

The piece also references a 2024 campaign by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) titled “Eat Clean, Stay Safe,” which includes a series of short video segments. These videos, linked in the article, illustrate the “throw it out” principle through dramatized scenarios: an over‑cooked turkey that looks fine but tastes off, a bottle of milk that has gone slightly sour, and a leftover sandwich that was left in a thermos for hours. The FDA’s materials are credited with boosting the phrase’s popularity among households.

Readers’ reactions

In the “Reader Comments” section, readers shared anecdotes about how the phrase had saved them from potential illness. One commenter, Emily R., wrote, “I always keep a small note in my fridge that says ‘Throw it out if you’re unsure.’ I’ve saved my life a few times because I followed that.” Another, Tyler P., commented, “This puzzle’s theme is perfect. I didn’t realize how often we ignore food safety until I saw ‘THROWITOUT’ in a crossword.”

The puzzle’s publisher, USA Today, responded to the influx of comments by posting a follow‑up short note that explained how many newspapers now include a small “Safety Tip” sidebar in their Sunday puzzles. This sidebar, the note added, highlights a different food‑safety fact each week—ranging from safe hand‑washing practices to the importance of cleaning cutting boards.

A takeaway for home cooks

The article wraps up with a practical checklist that readers can take away from the puzzle:

1. Check temperature – Keep perishables below 40°F (4°C).
2. Follow the “two‑hour rule” – Don’t leave cooked food out for more than two hours.
3. When in doubt, throw it out – If a food item smells off, has a strange texture, or has been mishandled, discard it.
4. Keep surfaces clean – Use soap and hot water for cutting boards and countertops.
5. Educate your family – Share the phrase “Throw it out” as a household mantra.

USA Today concludes by reminding readers that a single word can be a powerful antidote to foodborne illness, especially when it’s embedded in a popular pastime like crossword puzzles. In a world where the daily grind often pushes health advice to the sidelines, the simple directive “Throw it out” has become both a crossword clue and a lifesaver—one grid at a time.