By Joy Pierce Mathews for Summit Medical Group
Reviewed by Susan Canonico, RD 

If you plan to barbecue, camp, and picnic during the warm weather, here are some important steps you can take to avoid getting sick from food-borne bacteria:

• Always wash your hands before handling food
• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold 
• Keep uncooked meat, chicken, and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods
• Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods
• Check the middle of hamburgers with a thermometer
  to be sure they reach 160 F
• Cook chicken until its juices are clear and there is no pink color near the bone
• Use separate plates for raw meat, poultry, and seafood; don't reuse the plates for other foods

Remember that bacteria multiply quickly in warm temperatures. If you're on the go and want easy options that don't require refrigeration, peanut butter, bread, crackers, hard cheeses, fruits, and dried meats are your best bets. 

Smart Cooler Tips

• Pack your cooler with items you'll use first at the top
• Use large ice blocks instead of small ice cubes, which melt quickly
• Keep drinks in a separate cooler from foods to avoid opening the food cooler often
• Store your cooler in an air conditioned car instead of your trunk
•  Refrigerate perishable leftovers as soon as possible (no more than 2 hours after taking them out of the cooler) 

For more summer food safety tips, click here to watch our Medical Monday video!

If you'd like more information about food safety or nutrition,
call Summit Medical Group Nutrition Services today
at 908-277-8731.