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How to: keep your picnics safe

By American Association of Poison Control Centers, American Association of Poison Control Centers, Source: MCT News Service

Picnics and barbecues are as much a part of summer as trips to the swimming pool, baseball games and family vacations.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers wants to make sure that your summer barbecue or picnic is all fun and no misery. The following tips to prevent spoiled food and to keep your picnic safe and enjoyable:

Cook foods thoroughly. Partial cooking could possibly double your risk of food poisoning. Cold foods should be kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit; hot foods should be kept at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Keep foods at the appropriate temperature to keep them at their safest.

Prepare them safely. Proper sanitation helps to avoid cross-contamination between meats and other foods. Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw meats. Wash cutting boards, utensils, and other surfaces with hot, soapy water before preparing other foods. Pack disposable wipes and hand sanitizer in case running water is hard to find.

Pack your foods safely. Use plenty of ice to keep cold foods cold. Remember that a full cooler will maintain its low temperature longer than one that's partially full. Pack empty cooler space with ice or reusable cold packs. Use a separate cooler for drinks, so you open the food cooler less often.

Serve your food safely. Don't let food sit out for longer than an hour in very hot weather. If you're grilling, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure meats are cooked thoroughly. Steak should have an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit; ground meats should be at 160 degrees Fahrenheit; pork chops and tenderloin steaks should be at 160 degrees Fahrenheit and chicken should be at 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serve grilled foods right away, or keep them on the grill to maintain the right temperature. Discard foods that have been left out for more than an hour in temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or for more than two hours in moderate weather.

Prepare for picnic pests. Don't shy away from using bug repellant, but only use it on skin that will be exposed to the outdoors. When you come back inside, shower off, especially if using repellant over a several-day period. DEET is a common ingredient in bug repellants. Sprays that have DEET should not be used on children under 2 months old. If you're applying bug spray on any child's skin, avoid the hands, eyes, and mouth. To apply to a child's face, spray it on your hands, and use your hands to wipe it on the child's face.

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