Healthwatch: Picnic Safety
With the fourth of July holiday week and summer in full swing, there’s no better time for a picnic. Although you might enjoy the summer heat, it might make your food dangerous. Kelly Porter is a Dietician at Jackson Madison County General Hospital. “Most foods can go out. it’s just being sure if it’s a refrigerated item or a freezer item that you’re not putting that in a cooler until right when you leave pr bringing it out until you’re ready to eat.” Pay close attention while packing your cooler. “Be sure to pack your meats separately. If your meats are not cooked yet, especially pack those separately” Porter said. That means cooking and eating utensils too. Porter said, “Being sure to bring enough utensils with you that you have one for the raw meat and then you have a plate. A new plate for the cooked meat and utensils for that too and not sharing utensils.” It may not always be convenient… don’t forget to wash your hands. “Also, bringing hand wipes I think they call wet ones. Those can be really good, really helpful if you have any raw meats that you’re bringing with you. That way you can wash your hands before and after without having soap and water” said Porter. Remember, keeping healthy at your summer picnic goes beyond food. You also have to remember to bring bottled water so you can stay hydrated during the warm summer weather.
