Understanding Food Poisoning: Safe Food Handling Tips for Picnics and Cookouts

Summer brings sunshine and plenty of opportunities to gather with friends and family for outdoor meals. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or packing a picnic for the park, it’s important to remember that warm temperatures can also create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. This is why it’s essential to understand food safety.

Each year, millions of Americans suffer from foodborne illnesses, many of which occur during the summer months due to improper food handling. Fortunately, with a few simple precautions, you can enjoy your outdoor festivities without the risk of food poisoning.

Keep Cold Foods Cold

• Use a cooler with ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep perishable items below 40°F.
• Store items like potato salad, deli meats, dairy-based dips, and seafood on ice until it’s time to eat.
• Don’t leave food out for more than two hours – or just one hour if it’s over 90°F outside.

Cook Foods Thoroughly

• Use a meat thermometer to make sure meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature:
  • Poultry: 165°F
  • Ground beef: 160°F
  • Steaks and pork: 145°F with a 3-minute rest time
• Avoid partially cooking meat ahead of time, as this can allow bacteria to multiply if not handled properly.

Prevent Cross-Contamination

• Pack raw meats separately from ready-to-eat foods like fruits, veggies, and buns.
• Use different utensils and cutting boards for raw and cooked items.
• Don’t reuse marinades that have touched raw meat unless you boil them first.

Practice Good Hand Hygiene

• Bring hand sanitizer if running water isn’t available.
• Always wash or sanitize your hands before and after handling food, especially raw meat or poultry.

When in Doubt, Throw It Out

• If you’re unsure how long something has been sitting out, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Food that smells off, has a strange texture, or has been exposed to heat too long should be tossed.

Picnics and cookouts are a highlight of summer, and with a little planning, you can keep your gathering both fun and safe. Let’s make smart food choices and savor every bite with peace of mind.

Have questions about food safety or symptoms of foodborne illness? Contact your family medicine provider or visit the CDC’s Food Safety Page for more information.