PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — It's the unofficial start of summer and many people are looking forward to enjoying outdoor fun and dining over Memorial Day weekend, but federal health officials are reminding everyone about food safety during the warmer months.
Food safety during hot weather depends on temperature control.
Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer season of picnics, barbecues and other outdoor dining, but health experts warn that hot, humid weather creates an ideal environment for food-related illnesses to occur.
It's important to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.
“We want to avoid what's called the danger zone — the temperature range between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit — because potentially harmful bacteria can grow very quickly in that range,” said Karen Hunter, director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Hunter said with so much eating out and cooking in the summer, it's easy to forget about food safety.
“Pack foods in coolers with multiple cold sources and pack raw foods, such as meat and poultry products, separately from cooked foods,” Hunter said. “Bring a food thermometer with you to make sure your food is cooked to a safe temperature.”
Hunter said to make sure hands and surfaces are clean before and after preparing food.
Once you're done eating, put everything back in the refrigerator. Don't leave food out for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature outside is above 90 degrees.
The CDC estimates that 48 million Americans get food poisoning each year, resulting in 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths.
“People with weakened immune systems, the elderly, children,” Hunter said. “Foodborne illnesses can affect them disproportionately and cause long-term complications.”
Food safety measures can help keep everyone safe this summer.
Doctors said coolers, lots of ice and thermal bags can help keep food safe outdoors.
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