Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Food is a part of graduations, campouts, holiday picnics, and other celebrations. Keeping foods safe to eat at these events can be a challenge. A few simple things can reduce the chance of food poisoning.

1) Don't let bacteria make you sick. Bacteria which causes food poisoning becomes a problem when:

• fruits (including melons) and vegetables are not washed well before they are eaten.
• foods are not completely cooked.
• cold foods warm up above 45°F for more than an hour.
• foods sit out after cooking for more than an hour.

2) Keep cold foods cold. Use lots of ice, blocks or gel packs are best. Use two coolers, one cooler for food and one for drinks. Food will stay cold longer in its own cooler because that cooler isn't opened as often as the drink cooler. Pack food in water-tight containers to prevent contact with the juices of uncooked meats and melting ice water.

3) Keep hands and utensils clean. If soap and water won't be available, pack some moist towelettes.

4) Cook meat until the juices run clear, fish should flake apart. Never put cooked food on a plate used for raw meat, fish or poultry.

5) Put food back on ice as soon as you finish eating.

6) Consider leftovers. If there is still plenty of ice in the cooler when you get home, and the food did not sit out for over one hour, the food is okay to save. When in doubt, throw it out. The last souvenir of summer anyone wants is food poisoning.