In the summer, we take our chances with eating outdoors because it’s fun! However, the heat of summer supports the growth of pathogenic (disease-causing) micro-organisms in our food, such as salmonella, campylobacter, listeria, e.coli and more. Here’s how you can protect yourself from getting sick.
- Use an insulated lunch bag to store perishables (meats, milk products, hummus, etc.)
- Be sure your ice packs are frozen solid before adding them to your picnic cooler or lunch bag.
- Don’t eat the above foods left above 4 degrees Celsius. It only takes a few minutes for food on the picnic table to warm up and support the multiplication of infectious micro-organisms!
- Take a quality probiotic supplement daily. Having these good bacteria in your gut may protect against pathogenic bacteria like salmonella, campylobacter, listeria and more.
Add garlic, onions, oregano, basil, clove, cinnamon and rosemary to your food. These herbs and spices have anti-bacterial qualities when used liberally.- When eating at restaurants, don’t eat the salsa, hummus, sour cream or dip unless the container still feels cool to the touch.
- When ordering drinks ask for “no ice”. (The ice may have been served by hand–yikes!).
- Don’t eat undercooked (pink) ground meat. EVER. E.coli 0157:H7 is an extremely dangerous strain of bacteria that has been found in undercooked grain-fed cattle beef.
Most important of all, make sure your own hands are clean when preparing food, and that you wash your hands before eating.
Happy picnicking!