So you’re planning a picnic or outdoor function and food is involved. What do you need to know about keeping your food safe and all your guests happy?

It starts when you are preparing your food. You should refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared foods and leftovers within two hours or less of preparation. Marinate foods in the refrigerator.

Cool Tip #1: Cold foods should be kept at 4°C (40°F)

When serving cold food at a buffet, picnic or barbeque, keep these cool tips in mind:

• Cold foods should be kept at 4°C (40°F) or colder.
• Keep all perishable foods chilled until serving time.
• Place containers of cold food on ice for serving to make sure they stay cold.
• Refrigerate custards, cream pies and cakes with whipped cream or cream cheese frostings. Don’t serve them if refrigeration is not possible.

On the Road

When travelling with food, be aware that time, temperature and cold containers are key. Here are some tips to keep it cool:

• Keep frozen foods in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to go.
• Always use ice or cold packs and fill your cooler with food. A full cooler will maintain its cold temperatures longer than one that is partially filled.
• When travelling, keep the cooler in the air-conditioned passenger compartment of your car, rather than in a hot trunk.

Cool Tip #2: When running errands, do your grocery shopping last. And, in the grocery store, start with dry goods and finish with frozen foods so they have less time to thaw.