Sunburns, heat stroke, and bug bites all increase in the summer...but do you know what else does?
Your risk of food poisoning.
Because of the warm, moist, conditions during summer, it's more likely for bacteria to grow. Food poisoning can also increase due to our common habits of picnics or BBQs in the summer. Foods end up sitting in warmer temperatures for longer than they should, which can lead to illness.
Here are some ways to help prevent food poisoning this summer, while still having a fun time!
Chill Your Food
- Food should not be at room temperature or higher for longer than one hour.
- The cooler should not be kept in direct sunlight.
- Do not keep food and drinks in the same cooler, as the constant retrieval of drinks will expose food to more heat.
Separate
- Keep raw meat separate from other foods to avoid potential contamination
- Keep raw meat at the bottom of the cooler to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods
Continue reading to find out more ways to prevent food poisoning this summer.
Clean
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food
- Sanitize all cooking utensils after using them, and let them air dry before storing them again
Leftovers
- Cool leftovers quickly in shallow containers
- Re-heat leftovers to the proper temperature before eating them.
Staying safe this summer isn't hard, as long as you know what to watch out for!