Safe in the Summer Sunshine!

Summer months welcome long days of sunshine and casual gatherings with food, family and friends.  Picnics, backyard BBQs, cooking out by the pool – all of these kick off the summer season and delicious food completes the celebrations.  The Egg Safety Center has a few simple guidelines to make sure everyone has a sweet and savory summer picnic.

Many of the most popular picnic foods feature eggs. These four tips help you keep food safe for all to enjoy.

Sanitize, Separate, Sizzle, be Sensible!

Sanitize: Use warm soapy water to thoroughly wash hands and all food prep surfaces.

Separate: Raw meat and poultry need their own cutting boards.  Use a separate cutting board for fruits and vegetables.  Avoid cross-contamination!

Sizzle: Cook all food to safe internal temperature of at least 140 degrees.  If you’re not sure of the proper temperature follow these FDA guidelines.

Be Sensible: Use ice or freezer packs keep cold foods cold. If the temperature is above 85 degrees be especially vigilant.  Refrigerate leftover food promptly and toss out any food that has been sitting out for too long.

Make eggs a part of your summer meal planning. They are delicious, nutritious, and easy to bring to your picnics.  The Egg Safety Center wishes everyone a happy and relaxing summer of fun!

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