When the temperature heats up outside, people will want to spend more time enjoying picnics and barbeques. Those events can be fun, but there are dangers that come along with this.
The hot temperatures could bring some food concerns into play. You will need to know how to practice food safety in the hot outdoor air. Here are some tips to help you.
Insulate
Whether you have raw meats or any perishable foods, it is highly important to insulate the foods well. Here are a few ways to do this:
- Choose a cooler or container that is properly insulated.
- Pack ice packs around the foods.
- Use frozen beverages to keep the foods cold.
- Make sure ice packs are leak-proof to avoid water or ice getting on the food.
Prepare as Much as Possible in Advance
When you are going to be cooking and eating outside, it is important to prepare as much as you can in advance so that you are not having to cut anything on outdoor surfaces. Things that can be prepared indoors include:
- Salads
- Desserts
- Meats can be cut
- Vegetables
Avoid Leftovers
It is hard to keep leftovers when you spend time outside. You will not have time to get them properly stored before they are in the dangerous bacteria growing zone (6 and 60 degrees Celsius). It is best to only cook what you need for the outdoor event.
Keep Food Covered
When you have foods outside, you need to keep them covered to avoid bugs getting into them and to avoid flying debris contaminating them. Snap-on plastic lids are the best way to keep foods covered without a hassle each time someone wants something else to eat.
By following these guidelines, you can still enjoy a fun meal outdoors when the weather is so nice without having to worry about anyone becoming sick from food dangers.
