Serving up a Safe Summer Barbecue
Summer is the prime time for patio picnics. Warmer weather conditions may be ideal for outdoor barbecues but they also provide a perfect environment for bacteria and other pathogens in food to multiply rapidly and cause foodborne illness. During the summer months it is especially important to practice safe food handling when preparing perishable foods such as meat, poultry, seafood and low acid fruits such as melons. The Wyoming Food Safety Coalition offers the following suggestions to reduce the risk of foodborne illness this summer.
When serving melons at your barbecue, the Wyoming Food Safety Coalition recommends washing the fruit with drinking water before cutting to remove surface dirt. Hands and all surface areas should be washed thoroughly with hot, soapy water and rinsed. Cut melons may be served without refrigeration for a maximum of four hours. At the end of that time, any leftover melon should be thrown away.
These tips for smarter, safer barbecuing are brought to you by the Wyoming Food Safety Coalition (WFSC), as well as the Wyoming Beef Council, and the Cheyenne/Laramie County Health Department.Serving Up a Safe Summer Barbecue, prepared by Ann Wittmann, Wyoming Beef – Council, 307-777-7396
Safe Temporary Food Events
Along with the nice summer weather comes an increase in temporary food events. If you advertise that your event is open to the public, and food is being prepared or served, chances are you need a temporary food permit. If your event is a private function with only invited guests consuming food, you may not need a temporary food permit. If you are unsure about whether or not your event needs a permit, please contact us.
To obtain a temporary food permit visit the Cheyenne/Laramie County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health at 100 Central Avenue, or call us at 307-633-4090. We also provide free temporary food service training for individuals or groups.
For more information on food safety contact the Cheyenne/Laramie County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health, 307-633-4090.
Article prepared by: Katie Hilla, Environmental Health Specialist, Cheyenne/Laramie County Health Department.