Food Preparation and Storage
Summer outings. Family cookouts. Block Parties. As summer sets in, weekend plans are centered around outdoor activities and what better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with a big picnic spread.

However, according to Angie Oxford, Registered Dietitian at the Bradley Wellness Center, improperly transporting and preparing food outdoors and improperly storing food after eating can sometimes lead to illnesses such as food poisoning.

"During the summer, hot temperatures outdoors can often spoil foods in as little as ten minutes," says Oxford. "By taking precautionary measures and following a few simple rules, cooking and eating outdoors can be a fun way to spend summer days."

Oxford offers the following tips when preparing or eating foods outside:
* Always keep cold items cold. The temperature should be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in a refrigerator or in a cooler on ice.
* Always keep hot items hot. The temperature should be kept above 140 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent potential bacteria growth.
* Prepare dishes with dairy products or eggs the day before your picnic and refrigerate overnight. By doing so, you allow the dish to cool thoroughly. Always transport dishes in a cooler on ice.
* Avoid eating foods that are raw or undercooked.
* If you intend to grill at your picnic site, meat should be transported and kept in a cooler that's below 40 degrees Fahrenheit until it's ready to be cooked. Meat should never be eaten raw or undercooked.
* When finished with your meal, always place meat and refrigerated items back in a cold cooler. Never leave your meal on the table for later. Leftovers should be promptly placed in a cooler to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Protect your family and your summer time favorites by using proper food preparation and storage techniques for family outings. And always remember it's better to be safe than sorry, so if in doubt, throw it out!

Hamilton. Health Care Syst. | About HMC | Health & Wellness | Health Plans | Giving Opps. | Online Gift Shop | Volunteers | Employment | The Baby Page | For Vendors Only | For Media Only | For Physicians Only | Se Habla Español | Physician's Directory