10 Tips for a Safe Summer

When you pack a picnic to feed your hungry family, keep in mind these tips from the US Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service. Call their hotline (888) 674-6854 and listen to safety recordings or visit their website at www.fsis.usda.gov.

If you're carrying perishable foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, and salads, keep everything on ice in your cooler. Have plenty of ice or frozen gel-packs on hand before starting to pack food. Consider packing drinks and water in a separate cooler so the food cooler is not opened frequently. This will help preserve a safe temperature for the perishables.