Dakota County Urges Caution During Picnic Season

Editor's note: A reminder from the Dakota County Department of Public Health.

Summer means picnics, buffets and outdoor parties—and also an increased risk of food poisoning.

Getting sick from improperly prepared or stored food is more common and more serious than you might realize. Food poisoning not only sends more than 100,000 Americans to the hospital each year, it can also have long-term health consequences.

It is important to make sure that food served at picnics and buffets is safe. Four simple steps can help protect your family and friends from food poisoning:

Clean it

• Wash hands with soap and warm water.
• Wash kitchen surfaces, cutting boards and utensils with soap and hot water.
• Wash raw fruits and vegetables.

Separate it

• Don't allow juices from meat, seafood, and poultry or eggs to drip on other foods.
• Use a separate cutting board for raw meats.
• Use different dishes for raw foods and cooked foods.

Cook it

• Cook food at a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to be sure.
• Cook poultry and meat until the juices run clear.
• Don't eat raw eggs.

Chill it

• Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.
• Refrigerate perishable foods quickly.
• Don't leave leftovers out longer than 2 hours.

For more information, visit:

• Report a foodborne illness to the Minnesota Department of Health 
• Minnesota Department of Health
• FoodSafety.gov