Picnic food frequently becomes forever associated with the person who provides it, like the signature dishes transported by family and friends to other holiday gatherings: Grandpa Chuck’s almost-burnt-to-a-crisp hot dogs; Aunt Tina’s splendid potato salad; Cousin Cassie’s chocolate chip dessert scones topped with Sister-in-Law Lizzie’s homemade vanilla ice cream. And it all tastes especially wonderful eaten outdoors.

The worrisome thing is, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the incidence of foodborne illness is greater during the summer. There are two reasons your summer food festivities are more easily spoiled than your winter feasts: one, bacteria multiply faster when it’s hot and humid; two, preparing food outside in conditions less sanitary than indoor kitchens makes it harder to handle food safely.

Foodborne illness, the symptoms of which are vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, should be taken very seriously because it can lead to death. The West Virginia University Extension Service (WVUES) advises that young children, the elderly, and others with weak immune systems are particularly at risk. Note that botulism, which develops from improperly canned foods, can affect anyone, no matter how healthy and regardless of age, and may result in paralysis or fatality.

Many of us have forgotten or become a little careless with the common sense food-safety advice we learned from the good cooks in our lives and our home economics teachers.  That classic information can be accessed today on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USDA, and WVUES websites, and at FoodSafety.gov, but Panhandle Home Health (PHH) wanted to present a brief synopsis to help you put together safe summertime spreads at the height of picnic season.

An elementary principle we’ve all had reinforced because of the COVID-19 pandemic applies to food preparation: BE KEEN ABOUT CLEAN.

Also, KEEP RAW REMOTE.

Third, DON’T RELY ON ITS LOOK TO TELL IF IT’S COOKED.

Finally, REMEMBER TO CHILL BEFORE YOU SIT STILL.

Our favorite food-safety maxim is this: If you have any doubt, throw it out!

We’ll close with one final caution before you run off to prepare your picnic, and be certain to share it with Grandpa Chuck. Hot dogs are a choking hazard for picnickers younger than age four. Cut hot dogs lengthwise or into very small pieces before giving them to children, and if the hot dogs have a casing, remove it before cutting the hot dog into pieces for the child.

PHH encourages you to fully appreciate great food and fun with family and friends, celebrate safely, and protect your picnic!