Hot dogs are an American favorite, but they can make you sick if you let them spoil.

The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service offers these suggestions for safe storage and handling of hot dogs:

  • As soon as possible after purchase, store hot dogs in the refrigerator or freezer.
  • Follow the product dates on the package. Eat within two weeks if the package is refrigerated unopened, or within one week once the package is opened.
  • Freeze hot dogs for a maximum of two months.
  • Hot dogs should never be at room temperature for longer than two hours. If the outside temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, they should be refrigerated within one hour.
  • Heat hot dogs until steaming.
From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez, Drew Singh; Anthony Florio, Randee Daddona, Morgan Campbell, Debbie Egan-Chin

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.

From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez, Drew Singh; Anthony Florio, Randee Daddona, Morgan Campbell, Debbie Egan-Chin

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.

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