Summer is a season filled with backyard BBQs, picnics, and fresh foods shared with friends and family. However, the heat and humidity also make food safety more crucial. Warm temperatures create an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply, and food can spoil quickly if not handled properly. To enjoy all the delicious flavours of summer without the risk of foodborne illness, it’s important to keep food at the right temperature, practice proper hygiene, and store food correctly. With a few simple precautions, you can ensure a fun, safe, and tasty summer experience for everyone. Let’s explore how!

Wash Hands and Surfaces Frequently

When you cook or eat outdoors, hygiene plays a crucial role. In warm climates, bacteria spread quickly, so wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food, after handling raw meats, and after using the bathroom. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. Clean surfaces like cutting boards, counters, and utensils regularly to prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, which often causes foodborne illnes.

Keep It Cool

To prevent foodborne illness during the summer, keep your food at the right temperature. In hot climates like India, bacteria multiply quickly, especially between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C)—the “danger zone.”

Here’s how to keep your food safe:

• Use coolers: When you head out for a picnic or to the beach, pack your cooler with plenty of ice packs to keep the food chilled. Invest in a good insulated cooler and regularly check the temperature to make sure it’s staying cold.
• Watch the temperature: If you’re cooking at home, make sure hot foods stay above 140°F (60°C) and cold foods stay below 40°F (4°C). A food thermometer helps ensure your food stays at the right temperature.

Be Careful with Raw Meat and Seafood

Summer means grilling season, but it also brings a higher risk of foodborne illness if you don’t handle raw meats and seafood properly. Whether you’re grilling burgers, kebabs, or seafood, follow these tips:

• Keep raw meat separate: Store raw meat away from ready-to-eat foods like fruits, vegetables, and salads to avoid cross-contamination.
• Thaw safely: Never thaw meat or seafood on the counter. Thaw it in the fridge, or use cold water if you’re in a hurry. The microwave also works, but cook the food immediately afterwards.
• Cook to the right temperature: Use a food thermometer to ensure your meat is cooked through. For instance, burgers should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), and poultry should be cooked to 165°F (74°C).

Stay Mindful of Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant in the summer, making them perfect for salads, smoothies, or just a refreshing snack. But in warm climates like India, they can spoil quickly if not stored correctly. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Wash thoroughly: Always wash produce under running water before eating, even if you plan to peel it.
• Store properly: Keep fruits like berries in the fridge to prevent them from spoiling. Some fruits, like bananas and tomatoes, do better at room temperature but keep an eye on them so they don’t over-ripen.
• Keep pre-cut produce cool: If you’re preparing salads or fruit bowls ahead of time, make sure to refrigerate them until it’s time to serve.

Don’t Leave Food Out Too Long

During summer gatherings, people often leave food out, but remember that bacteria multiply quickly at room temperature. Avoid leaving food out for more than two hours. If the temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C), like on a hot summer afternoon in India, reduce that time to just one hour. Use serving trays with ice underneath to keep food cool, and replace the food on the buffet table regularly. If you don’t plan to eat something right away, refrigerate it to keep it safe.

Store Leftovers Properly

Summer leftovers can be just as delicious as the original meal, but you need to store them properly. After eating, store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate them right away. Don’t leave food out for too long. When reheating leftovers, heat them to 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re safe to eat.

Stay Hydrated, Keep Drinks Safe

Summer is all about staying hydrated with refreshing drinks, but they can also pose food safety risks if not handled properly. If you’re preparing drinks like punch or iced tea, store them in the fridge until it’s time to serve. Keep ice cold and avoid letting it melt in warm beverages, as bacteria can grow on the surface.

Conclusion

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy delicious meals outdoors, but food safety should always be a top priority. By keeping food at the right temperature, practising good hygiene, and being mindful of how long food sits out, you can avoid foodborne illnesses and make the most of your summer gatherings. So next time you’re hosting a BBQ or picnic, just remember: keeping food safe doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about being careful and paying attention to the details!