WSU Thurston County
720 Sleater Kinney RD SE
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Lacey WA 98503
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Thurston County Extension
Food Safety: Food Borne Illness
Protect Yourself from the Perils of Potlucks
The Olympian, July 15, 1998
Have you seen the commercial on television with the large container of potato salad "sweating" in the back seat of the car as the driver stops to get gasoline on his way to a picnic? It scares me and it ought to frighten you, too.
Summertime marks many special get-togethers including company picnics, family reunions, parties, and outdoor receptions with food. With more than 9,000 deaths each year from food borne illness, outdoor events involving potluck, perishable foods are a good place to practice the best food safety guidelines.
Frequently what the family reunion and the company picnic share in common is a variety of potentially serious food safety issues that can have longer lasting effects once you and your family have headed home from the picnic.
Are there some easy to remember guidelines for food safety that apply to picnics and reunions? Yes, there are three basic guidelines:
Keep Hot Foods Hot.
While some picnic shelters have access to electricity, many sites do not offer the opportunity to use appliances to keep foods hot. Generally, it's best to cook or grill hamburgers at the site. To increase food safety and decrease cooking time, it's easy to completely pre-cook the burgers, chill them, and reheat them on the grill.
If you aren't able to keep food hot during transport and eating times, you might want to choose other alternatives for the picnic. Bacteria grow rapidly between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F. So, when food is out of the ice chest and not being heated, you have the increased potential for food borne illness.
Keep Cold Foods Cold.
Use a cooler with ice. Store foods in air- and watertight containers and keep them on ice until you are ready to serve.
Keep Everything Clean.
Take clothes or paper towels, soap, and look for a supply of warm water if possible. Wash your hands and table tops. If you follow these guidelines as you prepare, transport, hold, and consume foods at picnics, everyone will be happy and healthy.
B. Susie Craig
Area Faculty
WSU Cooperative Extension Thurston County
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension Office. Cooperating agencies: Washington State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the county of Thurston.
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