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Your Guide to Safer Eating at Summer Picnics & Barbecues

Summer picnics are a delightful way to enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family while indulging in delicious food. However, warmer temperatures and outdoor settings can create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of food poisoning. By following proper food safety and storage practices, you can ensure that your summer picnic is enjoyable and safe for everyone. This guide explores common causes of food poisoning, essential food safety tips, and how to prevent foodborne illnesses during your next outdoor gathering.

Understanding Food Poisoning

Food poisoning occurs when food becomes contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Common causes of food poisoning include improper food handling, inadequate refrigeration, cross-contamination, and consuming undercooked or spoiled food.

Picnic tables with various dishes

Essential Food Safety Tips for Summer Picnics

  • Cleanliness is Key: Before preparing food, ensure that your hands, utensils, and surfaces are clean and sanitized. Pack moist towelettes or hand sanitizer for convenient hand cleaning during outdoor picnics. Also, consider packing tablecloths to avoid the unknown of public picnic tables. 

  • Keep Cold Foods Cold: Perishable foods such as salads, sandwiches, and dairy products should be kept cold until ready to serve. Use insulated coolers or cooler bags with ice packs to maintain proper temperatures (below 40°F or 4°C) and prevent bacterial growth. Another option is to keep items like condiments in the cooler and have guests access them from there to ensure they are kept cold throughout the day. 

  • Cook Thoroughly: When grilling meats or cooking hot dishes, use a food thermometer to ensure they reach the recommended internal temperature for safe consumption. Ground meats should be cooked to 160°F (71°C), poultry to 165°F (74°C), and seafood to 145°F (63°C). An instant-read thermometer is a great investment for grilling and year-round cooking. 

  • Avoid Cross-Contamination: To prevent cross-contamination, use separate cutting boards, utensils, and serving platters for raw and cooked foods. Keep raw meats securely wrapped and stored away from other food items to prevent drips or spills. Provide each dish with a separate serving utensil to avoid cross-contamination when serving. 

  • Practice Safe Food Storage: Leftover food should be promptly refrigerated or discarded if left at room temperature for over two hours (or one hour if the outdoor temperature is above 90°F or 32°C). Divide large portions into smaller containers for quicker cooling and storage when serving to ensure less food is exposed to warm temperatures. 

Kabobs on a barbecue

Preventing Foodborne Illnesses

Following these food safety tips and practicing proper hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensure a safe and enjoyable summer picnic for everyone. Remember to stay vigilant, especially in warm weather, and prioritize food safety at all stages of your outdoor dining experience.

Avoiding Dehydration with Foodborne Illnesses

Two of the most common food poisoning symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea, which, when combined with summer’s warm temperature, can lead to dehydration. If you do end up with a foodborne illness, drink plenty of water and take electrolytes to avoid dehydration. 

Summer picnics are a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories and savor delicious food in the company of loved ones. However, it's essential to prioritize food safety to prevent the risk of food poisoning and ensure a pleasant experience for all. 

Following best practices for cleanliness, proper food storage, and safe food handling, you can enjoy a safe and savory summer picnic without worrying about foodborne illnesses. So pack your picnic basket, gather your favorite foods, and embark on a culinary adventure, knowing that you're equipped with the knowledge to keep your feast both delicious and safe.




If you would like access to more educational materials and videos, follow this CDC Food Safety Website link.


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