{"id":2620,"date":"2019-07-29T12:02:33","date_gmt":"2019-07-29T16:02:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petruzelo.com\/blog\/?p=2620"},"modified":"2019-07-29T12:02:34","modified_gmt":"2019-07-29T16:02:34","slug":"summer-food-safety-tips-to-keep-you-healthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petruzelo.com\/blog\/summer-food-safety-tips-to-keep-you-healthy\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Food Safety Tips to Keep You Healthy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The summer is in full swing here in New England and as we enter the last hot month of the season vacations, last-minute picnics and grilling out on the deck are likely to top everyone\u2019s agenda at some point. If there\u2019s one thing better than going for a refreshing dip in the summer, it\u2019s the wonderful array of tasty foods<\/a> that you can eat. From in-season fruits and vegetables to ice creams and grilled meat \u2013 there\u2019s something for everyone to love about summer food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also an increased opportunity for bacteria and other\nissues to arise in high outdoor temperatures. Here are some tips for staying\nhealthy while you enjoy eating al fresco. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep Food Prep and Meal Serving Areas Clean <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chance are if you\u2019re cooking outdoors then you\u2019ve likely also taken food with you to be cooked. If this includes raw meats, fishes and other animal products, be sure to keep them stored separately from vegetables and other food items. Cross-contamination with raw meats can breed the spread of salmonella E.coli and other diseases. Be sure to thoroughly wash all surfaces, utensils and your hands. Never ever re-use items that have come in contact with raw matter. If you have room, keep the preparation areas and serving areas separate as an extra precaution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cook Foods Thoroughly <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since grilling is one of the most popular ways to cook food in the summer months, it\u2019s important to understand proper grilling techniques<\/a>. Heating food over a fire can be misleading. While meat can appear well done and cooked because the outer layer is starting to char, it\u2019s the internal temperature that matters. All meats have different internal temperature requirements to be considered safe for consumption. Be sure to get familiar with these temperatures and bring a thermometer along to be extra sure you\u2019re serving guests foods they won\u2019t get sick over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safe Internal\nTemperatures when Cooking Meat: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n