Along with relaxing atmosphere and ease of preparing a BBQ dinner or picnic for friends and family come some well known risks. You are likely aware that e.coli and salmonella can cause symptoms that range from mild discomfort to life threatening emergencies. But why is this more common during summertime meals and how can you protect your loved ones without ruining your summer?

During summer when we are picnicking or having a BBQ we are not preparing a meal with usual amenities we have in house - sink, oven, fridge. Because of this we are more likely to forget to wash hands, store food properly or even grab a clean plate to serve food.

Here are some ways you can protect yourself from summertime dining outdoors:

SEPARATE

From grocery store, to cart, to fridge, to table - keep meats and other food separated.

Always wrap meats even when thawing to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods, especially produce. Produce has been identified as a culprit in some food poisoning cases.

WASH

Wash hands, cutting boards, dishes and food.

Always wash your hands before and after preparing foods. Never serve cooked meat on same plate or tray that you had it on when raw - make sure resident BBQ expert is given a clean plate to place finished product on. Also thoroughly clean knives and cutting boards. Ideally you should use a separate cutting board for bread and produce and another for meat products.