SUMMER FOOD SAFETY

Summer cookouts are great. Burgers, hot dogs, fruit and potato salad are all summer favorites. But the summer’s heat can increase food safety concerns. Let’s review some summer food safety tips to keep your summer fun!

Watch Food Temperatures

• Keep cold foods cold, below 40 degrees F

• Keep hot foods hot, above 140 degrees F

• If you can’t keep foods at an ideal temperature, they should be eaten within 2 hours. Cut that time to 1 hour if the outdoor temp is over 90 degrees F.

Prevent Bacterial Contamination

• Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw and cooked foods.

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling foods.

• Don’t reuse marinades.

Use Good Hygiene

• Wash any produce thoroughly before preparation

• Clean prep surfaces with hot soap and water before and after use.

Pack Food Safely

• Keep coolers in a shady spot

• Keep food and drink coolers separate

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours to prevent bacterial overgrowth.

Cook Food Safely

• Use a food thermometer to cook meats to the proper temperature

• Keep cooked and raw meats on separate plates

Remember the summer food safety tips and enjoy those summer cookouts!