Summer BBQ Food Safety from AARP
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer and BBQ season! We understand that the focus of the food may be on the meat, but we want to remind you not to underestimate the importance of side dishes when in comes to pleasing your guests. When looking for a side that is guaranteed to please – you can’t beat a pasta salad! Pasta salads typically pair seasonal vegetables with lean meats to compliment other dishes at the BBQ.
When serving pasta salads, grilled meats, and other party favorites, it is important to follow some safety guidelines. Food-borne bacteria thrives in warm weather so AARP’s health extraordinaire Candy Sagon interviewed Jeff Nelken, a food safety consultant based in Woodland Hills, Calif., who reminds us of some tips for serving a delicious and SAFE Memorial Day Meal:
- Wash your hands: No matter what you are cooking or eating – use warm water and soap.
- 2-Hours in the Sun Rule: Keep foods out in the sun for a maximum of 2 hours. If it’s hotter than 90 degrees – cut that back to 1 hour.
- Serve salads in small bowls: Instead of one giant bowl, keep salads in a smaller dish and refill from food staying chilled in the fridge or a cooler.
- Keep food transported iced: Traveling to a party? The car can heat up and make food spoil quickly. Keep food cooled down and on ice in the car
View these tips and more at the AARP site here.
If you’re looking for some delicious pasta salad recipes – check out our recipe page here.