Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but you want to make sure it is also as safe and healthy for you and your family as possible. Unfortunately, the sunny days of summer can be accompanied by serious dangers such as food poisoning, drowning, allergy attacks, heat-related illnesses, sunburns and the stress of traveling.

Burgers, Hot Dogs and Salmonella?

Summer is synonymous with backyard barbecues and spending time outside with family and friends. At some point throughout the summer, most of us will find ourselves flipping burgers behind the grill or bringing a container of grandma's famous potato salad to the party. But unfortunately, if you aren't careful about handling foods during cookouts, you are putting yourself and others at risk for potential food-related illnesses.

Experts say that food poisoning peaks in summer months for two main reasons: bacteria grow fastest in warm, humid weather, and people generally do not pay as much attention to cleanliness when eating outside.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 200 diseases that can be spread through food. The following is a list of 10 rules suggested by the CDC that can help you have a safe cookout.

1. Keep your hands clean; dirty hands are the most common way food gets contaminated.
2. Wash cooking equipment, dishes and utensils between uses. Be sure to clean the grill's surface after each use and to wash cutting boards after cutting raw meat.
3. Rinse fruits and vegetables - meat and poultry aren't the only foods that harbor bacteria.
4. Store all perishables in a cooler with ice on top, not just underneath. Bring one cooler for drinks and one for food. Never eat anything that has been left out of a refrigerator or cooler for more than two hours.
5. Invest in a meat thermometer as the time needed to cook foods thoroughly on a grill may be different than your stove at home. A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure you've cooked foods adequately.
6. Teach your kids about food safety, such as the importance of hand washing and that food can make them ill if not properly handled.
7. If you're planning to be outside for a while, bring some non-perishable snacks that won't spoil.
8. Play it safe with leftovers - don't keep food that has been sitting out longer than two hours.
9. Symptoms of food poisoning usually develop 8 to 48 hours after eating the contaminated food. If they persist or grow severe, contact your doctor.
10. When in doubt, throw it out! If you think something was contaminated while being prepared, was improperly cooked or has sat out too long, throw it away.

 For more Summer safety tips click HERE

Brought to you by Buckman-Mitchell, Inc. and Zywave, Inc. This newsletter is for informational purposes only, and is not intended as professional advice.