Summer is here, and that means it’s time for backyard barbecues, family picnics, and sunny-day feasts. While the grill might be hot and the vibes relaxed, don’t let food safety slip off the menu. Warm weather creates the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow, turning your cookout into a potential health hazard if proper precautions aren’t taken.

Use this checklist to keep your summer gatherings safe, tasty, and worry-free: 

1. Start Clean – Keep hands, utensils, cutting boards, surfaces, and produce clean. Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds—especially after handling raw meat. Use separate cutting boards for meat and veggies to avoid cross-contamination.
2. Keep It Cool – Bacteria grow fast between 40°F and 140°F. Stay safe by:

– Using coolers with ice or cold packs

– Storing coolers in the shade and limiting openings

– Tossing food left out over 2 hours—or 1 hour if it’s above 90°F

3. Cook It Right – Don’t trust color alone—use a food thermometer:

– Poultry: 165°F

– Ground meats: 160°F

– Steaks, chops, fish: 145°F + 3-minute rest

4. Don’t Mix Raw with Cooked – Always use clean plates and utensils for cooked food. Never reuse ones that have touched raw meat without washing them first.
5. Keep It Covered – Outdoors, pests like flies and ants can carry bacteria. Protect food with mesh covers, lids, or foil when it’s sitting out.

Final Thought

A little planning goes a long way toward keeping your summer cookout delicious and safe. By following these simple food safety practices, you can keep your guests full and happy—and keep foodborne illnesses off the guest list.

Here’s to grilling, chilling, and making healthy summer memories!

If you have any unanswered questions, please reach out to us to initiate contact. We’ll be happy to connect you with the most relevant resources to assist you and your family.