Top 4 Prevent Foodborne Illness

by Marian Anne Eure

for About.com

Updated June 15, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Filed In:

Diseases and Conditions

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

More Info

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.

More Info

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.

More Info

4. Separate Raw and Cooked Foods

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

More Info

By Category

About.com Special Features

Conquering High Cholesterol

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

Senior Health

Also from About.com: