Summertime Food Safety

Four proven strategies to improve food safety this summer.

The summer season has begun, offering opportunities for picnics, backyard cookouts, and family gatherings. However, warmer temperatures and outdoor events make food safety especially challenging.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food poisoning affects approximately one in six Americans each year. Not surprisingly, more foodborne illnesses occur during summer months than any other season.

The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) encourages you to follow four proven food safety strategies: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. These simple actions can help improve your food safety and reduce your risk of foodborne illness.

Clean: Wash Hands, Surfaces, and Produce

Bacteria can spread to food through unwashed hands, contaminated surfaces, and dirty kitchen tools. To reduce the risk of unintentional food contamination:

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before, during, and after preparing food.
Clean cutting boards, utensils, countertops, and outdoor tables with hot, soapy water after each use.
Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating or preparing them. This also applies to items you plan to peel.
Bonus Tip: Clean your grill before each use to remove any leftover residue or bacteria from previous meals.

Separate: Prevent Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is a leading cause of foodborne illness. Prevent raw, uncooked foods (such as meat, chicken, fish, eggs, etc.) from coming into contact with ready-to-eat foods by:

Separating raw meat and seafood from other foods in your cart and grocery bags while shopping.
Storing raw meats separately in sealed containers or tightly wrapped packages to avoid leaking onto other foods in the refrigerator.
Using separate cutting boards and plates for raw meats, poultry, seafood, and eggs.
Preparing raw foods last to reduce the risk of residual contamination from unwashed surfaces and utensils.

Cook: Ensure Foods Reach Safe Temperatures

Cooking food to the right internal temperature kills harmful bacteria. Don’t guess—use a food thermometer to be sure. Following is a list of safe internal temperatures for foods commonly served during summer:

Poultry (whole or ground) – 165°F

Ground meats (beef, pork) – 160°F

Fresh beef, veal, lamb, pork (steaks, roasts) – 145°F (rest for 3 minutes)

Fish with fins – 145°F or until the flesh is opaque

Leftovers and casseroles – 165°F

To ensure safe internal food temperatures:

Follow recommended cooking times and allow food to rest after heating to ensure even cooking.
Use a food thermometer when grilling, roasting, or microwaving foods.
Keep hot foods at 140°F or higher when serving, by using warming trays, slow cookers, or insulated containers.

Chill: Refrigerate Promptly and Properly

Bacteria can multiply rapidly when food temperatures remain in the “Danger Zone” between 40°F and 140°F. Keeping “cold foods” (salads, lunch meat, eggs, etc.) at the proper temperature is critical during summer food events.

To maximize food safety:

Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours, or one hour if the outdoor temperature exceeds 90°F.
Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F or below.
Divide large portions of cooked food into shallow containers to cool more quickly.
Thaw frozen foods safely in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or using the microwave’s defrost function. Never thaw food on a countertop or at room temperature for more than two hours.
Bonus Tip: Place pre-chilled cold food dishes in a large container (or cooler) filled with ice during serving to keep the food cooled for a longer period.

Celebrating Safely All Year Long

While summer temperatures can increase food safety risks, these strategies are applicable year-round. Protect yourself and your loved ones. Make the Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill routine a regular part of your food preparation.

For more information about preventing foodborne illnesses, contact the Moultrie County Health Department at (217) 728-4114 or visit www.moultriehealth.org.
Have a safe, healthy, and delicious summer!