A picnic is a relaxing way to share food and fellowship with friends and family, coworkers, a community group, or even just a quiet outing for a couple on a sunny afternoon. You can spend the day grilling, sharing your favorite dishes, and playing games. You might even bring the family dog. With all those good vibes, you would hate to ruin such a happy event with a foodborne illness, an accident, or too much of a good thing. Take a look at these picnic safety precautions to ensure your picnic will be the carefree event you imagined:
1. Don’t Invite Bacteria
Foodborne illness is the direct result of improper food handling. Wash hands and utensils properly with a jug of clean water and soap. Choose recipes that will do better in heat, like oil dressings vs. mayo dressings. Return items to the cooler as soon as you are done using them. Be sure to pack your drinks in a separate cooler because every time you open the lid, you are increasing the temperature inside. Store coolers in a shady spot instead of returning them to the car or trunk, especially if you have perishable food inside.
2. Practice Grill Safety
If you are using a public grill, don’t forget to clean it first by burning off any leftover residue and scraping it with a grill brush. Don’t cross-contaminate by reusing the same platter for cooked meat that also carried the raw meat. When cooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked to the proper temperature. Grilled food should not be out for longer than an hour before you refrigerate it. It is best to cook just what you need and discard the rest. When you are done cooking, make sure the coals are completely out before leaving the picnic area.
3. No Bugs Allowed
Let’s face it; you are hosting a party in the bugs’ living room without inviting them. When you set up camp, don’t leave food uncovered or on the ground. If you spill anything, pick it up right away. Sugary liquids, like soda, attract bees, so it is best to pour water on them and keep open cans covered. To keep the bugs off you, use Thermacell’s Portable Mosquito Repeller instead of a spray. You can also make a chemical-free bug repellent using witch hazel and essential oils.
4. Enjoy the Sun in Moderation
We can all agree that a perfect picnic includes a sunny day, but we don’t want to overdo it. According to the Sun Safety Alliance, you can burn even on a cloudy day, so your picnic basket should include sunscreen. Children get three times the sun exposure as adults, so reapply after swimming or perspiring. Be sure to take a break from the sun in a shady spot and cool down. Hydration is also very important, so drink plenty of water. Not certain if you had enough? Visit camelbak.com for a great hydration calculator.
5. Pack a First Aid Kit
Accidents happen, so it is best to be prepared. Pack a first aid kit with ibuprofen for minor aches and pains, aloe for sunburn, Benadryl for minor allergies and bug bites, and bandages and antiseptic for cuts and scrapes. Other helpful items might include a blanket, paper towels, scissors, and plastic bags.
6. Keep Fur Babies Safe, Too
Many picnickers bring the whole family along, and that includes the dog. To keep them safe, double-check that they are up-to-date on their vaccines, including flea and tick prevention. Be certain they are wearing a collar that has current ID tags on it. Bring a leash to secure them in your campsite while you are nearby, but don’t leave them unattended, and please don’t leave them in the car. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water to drink, their own food, and a blanket or towel to lie down on in a shady spot when they get hot.
By the Numbers
3—Coolers you should bring to a picnic (one for drinks, one for prepared foods, and one for raw meat).
30 SPF—The American Academy of Dermatology’s minimum recommendation for sunscreen on children (adults is 15).
1—Number of hours food can sit out before it should be tossed or properly refrigerated, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
40 degrees—Temperature cold food should be stored at to prevent bacteria growth.
48 million—People who are stricken with foodborne illness each year.
20—Seconds to wash hands to kill germs as recommended by the CDC.
