Noting Super Bowl Sunday ranks as the second highest day of food consumption in the United States, FSIS said partygoers and hosts should avoid committing their own food safety "personal fouls."

"While football has the 'two-minute' warning, the food safety arena has the 'two-hour' rule," said USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety Dr. Richard Raymond. "One of the biggest food safety mistakes people make during these types of gatherings is that they let perishable food items sit out for far too long."

Raymond said such parties will go on for several hours, and food is often put out early for guests to munch on before and during the big game. But scientists say any foods -- hot or cold -- that have been at room temperature for more than two hours can easily become contaminated by bacteria and cause illness.

The FSIS Super Bowl food advice is available at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_012408_02/index.asp