Practicing food safety measures during the summer months is extremely important. The fact that spring and summer time bring on more outside activities, parties and food related events so does the increase of foodborn illness. Placing prepared food outside on a hot day or the duration of time food is left out in an uncontrolled or unsupervised environment, can lead to a risky situation. Following a few simple tips, changing recipe ingredients and planning properly can help you enjoy a safe and relaxing time with friends and family. Below is just a short list of suggestions to consider, following that is a link you can find additional helpful information.    

1.   Wash Hands Often
2.   Wash Raw fruits & vegetables before peeling or cutting them up
3.   Use more than one cutting board for meats, produce or seafood
4.   Store uncooked meats in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf, covered properly
5.   Keep Raw Meats and Ready-to-Eat Foods Separate: Even in the cooler, on the way to your picnic!
6.   Cook to Proper Temperatures
7.   Refrigerate Promptly Below 40°F

www.homefoodsafety.org

Another suggestion to consider when making your recipes for salads, consider using vinaigrettes in place of mayonnaise. Not only can this be healthier but the flavor profile adds a new taste to some “old time favorites”. When making your salads ahead of time consider the time it takes for your flavors to blend together, typically a few hours is enough. When making salads a day ahead consider the fact that green vegetables (like broccoli) will turn brown. So what I do is add mixed greens, baby spinach and blanched cooked broccoli to my salad just prior to serving, then mix well and place them in their container.

Most of all remember when planning your menu, consider the “new MyPlate food guideline”, there link: http://www.choosemyplate.gov this replaces the food pyramid icon and will help you with making some balanced food choices for you and your guest!

Let us know what measures you take to practice food safety.

Thanks and ciao…Bernard Kinsella

For helping spread the word about the importance of home food safety, I was entered into a drawing for a $15 Starbucks gift card and an iPad through Summertime Food Smarts, a contest run by the American Dietetic Association and ConAgra Foods’ Home Food Safety program. Home Food Safety is dedicated to raising consumer awareness about the seriousness of foodborne illness and providing solutions for easily and safely handling foods. Learn more at www.homefoodsafety.org.