Summer Food Safety Tips

Food Safety in the Summer

During the summer, it is important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent food poisoning and other health risks. Here are a few food safety tips for the summer:

1. Keep food cold: Perishable foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products, should be kept at a safe temperature to prevent the growth of bacteria. Keep these foods refrigerated or in a cooler with ice when you are outdoors, and avoid leaving them in the sun for extended periods of time.
2. Use a food thermometer: Cooking meat, poultry, and seafood to the proper internal temperature is essential for killing any harmful bacteria that may be present. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the food, and cook it to the recommended temperature to ensure that it is safe to eat.
3. Clean your hands and surfaces: Bacteria can easily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or hands, so it is important to keep your hands and surfaces clean. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food, and clean surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards with hot, soapy water to prevent the spread of bacteria.
4. Avoid cross-contamination: Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria or other contaminants are transferred from one food to another, typically through contact with a surface or utensil. To prevent cross-contamination, keep raw and cooked foods separate, and use separate cutting boards, utensils, and containers for different types of food.
5. Use safe water and ice: Water and ice can be contaminated with bacteria or other harmful substances, so it is important to use safe water and ice when you are outdoors. Avoid drinking water from lakes, rivers, or other sources, and use bottled water or water that has been treated with water purification tablets for drinking, cooking, and making ice.
6. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Use a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs to keep food at a safe temperature. 
7. When grilling, marinate food in the refrigerator and discard marinade after use. 
8. Never leave food out for more than two hours in temperatures above 90°F (32°C). Take a larger container and fill with ice, then place your bowl/tray on top to keep cool.

By following these food safety tips, you can enjoy your summer activities and meals safely and healthfully.