Summertime means heading outdoors for BBQs and picnics. While eating outside is one of the best parts of summer, the heat can cause issues when it comes to food safety.
Check out Rose’s segment on Breakfast Television here for tips on how to stay safe while eating outdoors this summer!
The Basics:
–Keep cold food cooler than 40C and hot food warmer than 140F – the inbetween is a danger zone! Harmful bacteria can grow in as little as two hours in this temperature range.
-Cook thoroughly and use a digital food thermometer; Bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and Campylbacter are killed by heat.
-Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after handling food. Dry with paper towels and discard; don’t use wash cloths.
-Use seperate dishes and utensils for raw and cooked foods and don’t store raw foods (ie chicken) with other items (ie salads).
-Have seperate cooler bags and make sure raw items are secure so juices don’t leak. Wash out cooler bags well after use.
