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How to keep your food safe when cooking outside

So your barbecue doesn't get any negative Yelp reviews.
Photo courtesy of POND5

Largo, MD (WUSA9) — Summer is the season for camping, pool parties, and picnics. But food that's sitting outside for extended periods of time can become unsafe. Here are tips to keep everything sanitary from PGCC Culinary Arts Center.

  1. Bring plenty of water. If you're outside, make sure you have plenty of water to stay hydrated, but it may also be necessary to have extra bottles for cooking. You'll need them if you're on an extended camping trip to prepare packaged items such as rice and oatmeal.
  2. Buy meats in sealed packages. Sandwiches are great for picnics, but meat that's exposed to the elements for too long can grow bacteria. Choose deli meats that have been dehydrated in sealed packages. This keeps out excess air, and prevents bacteria from growing.
  3. Don't let fruits and vegetables sit out too long. People are often concerned with leaving mayonnaise-based salads out in the sun, but fruit and veggie platters should not sit out all day either. Once they are cut up and exposed to air, illness-causing bacteria can grow. Refrigerate the platters, or discard any leftovers after two hours.

This article is sponsored by Prince George's Community College Culinary Arts Center.

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