The term is still around today, but we know much more about how and why this happens. And summer picnics, barbecues and other outdoor feasts can be the perfect setting for potential health problems if a few simple precautions aren't kept in mind. It only takes about an hour for food to spoil at 85 degrees or higher, especially items like potato and macaroni salads that contain mayonnaise. Keep these items in a cooler when not serving or nestled on ice. Hot foods need to be maintained at a temperature of 140 degrees or higher.
Food preparation is equally important.
When packing the picnic basket, hamper or cooler, keep meat separated in tightly closed containers to prevent cross-contamination when moving from the kitchen to the picnic area. Inexpensive disposable containers are now available in a variety of shapes and sizes that are perfect for cookouts. Link to this article from your website. Send this article to a friend. View a printable version of this article.