You may
be busy gearing up for fall—packing away the bathing suit, buying fall clothes and school supplies, using the
A/C less and opening the windows more—but state parks, swimming pools and
campgrounds are all gearing up for the long Labor Day weekend, when families
and friends take advantage of the waning hot season one last time.
Over
the years, Labor Day has evolved from purely a labor union celebration into a
“last fling of the summer” festival. But don’t let uninvited guests spoil your
fun! Poor planning (or carelessness) can increase the risk of food-borne
illness; the sun and hot temperatures can create an environment for food to
spoil. To help keep your
end-of-the-summer fling safe and satisfying for all, check out these picnic
pointers and tasty side dishes.
Picnicking
at home allows the luxury of a nearby refrigerator.
- Store burgers, chicken, hot dogs and cheese in a cool space until you are ready to put them on the grill.
- Set up the buffet table in a shaded area.
- Do not serve salads, slaws, condiment or other perishables until you are ready to eat.
- Away from home festivities require more planning.
- Use coolers and ice packets (or ice cubes tightly sealed in plastic bags) to keep cold items cold. Packing chilled items together will also help.
- Thermal containers or insulated jugs are perfect for carrying beverages and soups. Pack other foods in sturdy covered dishes.
- Use common sense when you park your picnic basket and cooler. Do not leave the food in the sun—find a shady spot under a tree or in a shelter instead.
- Plan to eat the food you have packed while it is still fresh, preferably within an hour after arriving at your destination.
- Don’t bring more food than you need. After food is unrefrigerated for several hours, it is NOT advisable to pack up the remainder for leftovers.
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