Summer Food Safety: Essential Tips for Cookouts and Picnics

Summer is just around the corner – and that means it’s almost time for cookouts, picnics, and other food-filled outdoor events! While you’re planning your get-togethers, it’s important to think about food safety to make sure everyone stays healthy and happy. Here are some essential tips to keep your summer feasts both safe and fun for everyone:

1. Cleanliness is Key: Before you start preparing for the BBQ, make sure your hands, cooking utensils, and surfaces are clean. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you need to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to get rid of chemicals and germs, especially after handling raw meat or poultry.
2. Keep Cold Foods Cold: When packing food for a picnic or other outdoor gathering, it’s important to keep perishable items such as salads, sandwiches, and dairy products cold. The Food and Drug Association recommends consumers use insulated coolers with ice packs or frozen gel packs to maintain a safe temperature (below 40°F or 4°C) and prevent bacterial growth.
3. Separate Raw and Cooked Foods: To avoid cross-contamination, keep the raw meat, poultry, and seafood destined for the grill separate from ready-to-eat foods such as fruits, vegetables, and cooked dishes. According to the USDA, you should use separate cutting boards, utensils, and plates for raw and cooked items, and never place cooked food on a surface that previously held raw meat.
4. Thoroughly Cook Meat and Poultry: Proper cooking is essential to kill harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. FoodSafety.gov recommends an internal temperature: of 145°F (63°C) for whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and veal; 160°F (71°C) for ground meats; and 165°F (74°C) for poultry and leftovers. Although it might be tempting to visually check if the meat is cooked enough, remember to bring a meat thermometer to the grill to ensure it’s done properly.
5. Don’t Forget the Marinade: If you’re marinating meat or seafood, do it in the refrigerator, not on the counter top. If you plan to use some of the marinade as a sauce, reserve a portion before adding it to the raw protein to prevent cross-contamination. Read more recommendations for safe marinating from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
6. Watch the Clock: Remember the “two-hour rule” when it comes to perishable foods. According to the United States Agriculture Department, you should discard any leftovers or foods that have been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F or 32°C).
7. Mind the Bugs: Keep food covered or indoors until you’re ready to eat to prevent insects and pests from contaminating it. Invest in food covers or mesh tents to protect your spread from unwanted guests.

Takeaway

By following these simple yet essential summer food safety tips, you can ensure that your upcoming cookouts and picnics are not only delicious but also safe for everyone to enjoy. From maintaining cleanliness in food preparation to diligently monitoring cooking temperatures and other food safety essentials, you’ll be serving up amazing – and safe – food all summer long. Enjoy!