Summer is the season for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor feasts. But as the heat rises, so does the risk of foodborne illness. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remind us that warm weather and outdoor conditions make proper food handling essential for enjoying summer meals safely.
Cleanliness Is Key
Before any food hits the grill, make sure your hands, utensils, and cooking surfaces are clean. If you're cooking away from home, bring moist towelettes, bottled water, and soap to clean your hands and surfaces.
Grills should also be cleaned thoroughly before use to remove any residue that could contaminate your food.
Cook to Safe Temperatures
Cooking meat to the correct internal temperature is the only reliable way to ensure it's safe to eat. Use a food thermometer every time:
- 145°F for whole cuts of meat and fish, with a three-minute rest time
- 160°F for ground meats
- 165°F for all poultry and reheated leftovers
Never rely on color or texture alone to determine doneness.
Keep Hot Food Hot
Once food is cooked, keep it at 140°F or warmer to prevent bacterial growth. If you're not serving food immediately, move it to the side of the grill rack, just away from the coals, or store it in insulated containers designed to keep it hot.
Cold Foods Stay Cold
Cold dishes like pasta salad, deviled eggs, or fruit should be kept at or below 40°F. Use coolers packed with plenty of ice or frozen gel packs, and avoid leaving perishable items out for more than two hours—or just one hour if it's over 90°F.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Always use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods. Marinades used on raw meat should never be reused on cooked food unless boiled first.
Partially pre-cooked meat (to save time on the grill) must go directly from the kitchen to the grill without delay. Letting it sit out creates the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow.
Final Tip: Plan Ahead
Whether you're cooking in your backyard or taking a meal to the park, a little preparation can go a long way. Pack food safely, bring cleaning supplies, and make your thermometer a staple of summer outings.
Have fun this summer—and serve it safe.
Sources:
USDA Food Safety Guidelines, 2025
USDA Top 10 Food Safety Tips for Grilling
FDA Handling Food Safely While Eating Outdoors
USDA Grilling and Food Safety
