During National Eat Outside Day on August 31, ACI encourages everyone to get some fresh air while enjoying a meal outside.   

Whether you’re throwing burgers on the grill or scooping up some chilled potato salad, it’s important on this day, and during every hot-weather cookout, to remember that food that is mishandled can lead to foodborne illnesses. And because bacteria are everywhere, cleanliness is a major factor in preventing foodborne illness. Keep these four steps for food safety in mind when you’re hosting:  

1. Clean  

• Wash your hands. Wet hands with warm, running water then apply soap. Rub hands together vigorously to make lather and scrub all surfaces. Continue for 20 seconds, then dry thoroughly.  

• Wash surfaces and utensils after each use. Bacteria can spread throughout the kitchen and get onto cutting boards, utensils, and countertops.   

• Wash fruits and veggies – but not meat, poultry, or eggs! Even if you plan to peel fruits and veggies—it’s important to wash them first because bacteria can spread from the outside to the inside as you cut or peel them. However, washing raw meat and poultry can actually help bacteria spread, because their juices may splash onto (and contaminate!) your sink and countertops.   

2. Separate  

Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs away from other foods in the shopping cart, grocery bags, refrigerator and on preparation surfaces.  

3. Cook  

Use a food thermometer to make sure all foods are cooked or reheated to the proper temperature. For quick and more accurate results, use an instant-read digital thermometer, not a large-dial food thermometer.  

4. Chill  

Refrigerate or freeze meat, poultry, eggs, seafood and other perishables within two hours of cooking or purchasing. When reheating, use a thermometer to make sure leftovers reach 165°F.  

In addition to these four steps for food safety, always keep pets off kitchen counters and away from food preparation. By keeping these food safety steps in mind, you can enjoy National Eat Outside day by celebrating the history of food, socializing, and the great outdoors.