By: Jacqueline Gomes, RDN, MBA
August 10th, 2018
The summer months bring to mind images of outdoor grilling, picnics, and fun. Check out these ideas for easy clean-up, food safety, and healthy picnic fare…
Before you plan picnic’s and BBQ’s keep this tips in mind…
- Pack plenty of ice around cold foods inside an insulated cooler to keep the temperature below 40 degrees.
- Transport the tightly-closed cooler in the back seat of your air conditioned care instead of in your hot trunk.
- Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods.
- Bring Disinfecting wipes to clean surfaces and soap and water to clean hands often.
- Using a meat thermometer, make sure ground meats reach at least 160°F and poultry reaches 165°F.
- And remember, don’t leave food outside in hot weather for more than one to two hours for the best food safety.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination is the physical movement or transfer of harmful bacteria from one person, object or place to another and typically spreads through food, people, equipment or work surfaces. Cross-contamination can occur for instance if you’re cutting raw chicken on a cutting board and then use the same knife or board for vegetables without disinfecting first.
To avoid cross-contamination, always wash your hands thoroughly and clean countertops, cutting boards, and utensils that come in contact with raw meat with hot, soapy water or a disinfectant. Disinfecting Wipes are a better choice than sponges or dishrags that often spread germs, rather than kill them.
Mediterranean Beach Picnic Snack
This fun and healthy beach snack will keep you satisfied and energized during your beach day!
Ingredients:
- 1 Pita bread, cut into quarters pieces
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 ounce slice aged cheese
- 6 Kalamata olives, pitted
- 10 Dry roasted almonds
- 1/4 cup golden raisins or ½ cup grapes
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients into small portable containers. Don’t forget toothpicks or a fork!
Image source: beachbody on demand