Top 4 Prevent Foodborne Illness

From Marian Anne Eure, former About.com Guide

Updated June 15, 2007

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Proper food preparation is important any time of the year but especially during the warm summer months. Warm temperatures mean more outdoor cooking with greater challenges in keeping foods safe. These precautions will help keep you and your loved ones safe.

1. Grill Meats to The Proper Temperature

Make sure grilled meats are cooked to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Purchase an inexpensive meat thermometer for your grill

2. Refriderate Raw and Leftover Foods Immediately

Pack plenty of ice in coolers to store raw and leftover foods. All leftovers should be refrigerated within an hour of cooking during hot weather.

3. Handwashing

Wash hands before digging into the picnic basket, before eating and after using the restroom. If there’s no running water, bring along moist towelettes or antibacterial hand sanitizer.

4. Separate Raw and Cooked Foods

Use color-coded coolers and utensils to keep raw meats separate from cooked meats and other prepared foods.