Memorial Day kicks off the official start of summer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture wants to remind you to prevent foodborne illness before you light up that grill and pack up the cooler. Hot and humid weather combined with outdoor activities, provide the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to multiply on food, and make people sick.
Fill your picnic basket with these items that will help keep your summer fun while handling food at your Memorial Day gathering:
Officials say that if running water is not available, bring soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer or moist towelettes. This will help keep your hands clean throughout the day, especially after handling any raw meat or poultry.
Avoid cross-contamination by using clean plates and utensils. Don’t place cooked food on a plate that once held raw meat or poultry.
Bring a couple of portable coolers – one for perishable foods and one for beverages– filled with ice.
According to reports, perishable items like raw chicken, burgers or appetizers like fresh salsa, guacamole or bean salads should be kept at 40⁰F or below.
Don’t forget the food thermometer! Cook meat and poultry to the safe internal temperatures.
Checking the temperature is the only way to know if your food is safe to consume. USDA recommended safe minimum internal temperatures are:
Beef, pork, lamb and veal (steaks, roasts, and chops): 145°F with a three-minute rest time
Fish: 145°F
Ground meats (beef, veal, lamb, pork): 160°F
Whole poultry, poultry breasts, and ground poultry: 165°F
Bring the right amount of food that you will consume at your picnic, but if you still have some leftovers, don’t leave them outdoors for more than 2 hours, officials say.
Foodborne illnesses can be prevented by properly handling food at home or outdoors. Make sure to follow our four steps - Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill - to food safety all year and during special occasions like this Memorial Day holiday.