Food safety tips for this Memorial Day weekend

Kate Holloway
·1 min read

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — In addition to being the annual day of remembrance for our fallen heroes, Memorial Day Weekend serves as the kick-off to Michigan’s picnic and barbecue season.

While you’re out observing the holiday and enjoying the cuisine, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development wants to remind you to keep food safety in mind for yourself, your family and friends (and your pets).

“Ensuring food safety is crucial for everyone, as it prevents foodborne illnesses and ensures everyone can enjoy their holiday gathering,” said Tim Slawinski, director of MDARD’S Bureau of Food Safety and Animal Health.

MDARD wants you to keep in mind these five food safety tips:

  • Proper hand washing: Everyone involved in the cooking or eating should wash their hands with soap and water. If water is not available, use disposable handwipes or hand sanitizer.

  • Keep food at the appropriate temperature: It’s especially important to keep cold foods cold when it’s hot outside. Bacteria grow most rapidly between 40-140F, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. When transporting food, pack food on ice. Don’t leave perishable foods out in the heat.

  • Pack beverages in a separate cooler from perishable foods. The beverage cooler will be opened more often, letting in the hot air.

  • Cook all meats at the proper temperature. Bring a meat thermometer to make sure they are done cooking.

  • Pack clean soapy towelettes for cleaning surfaces and hands. Use a table cover for picnic tables whenever possible. Picnic tables exposed to weather and wildlife may not be clean even if they look clean. Wipe down the picnic site before you go home.

For more food safety tips, visit FoodSafety.gov.

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