The sheer mention of the word summer is enough to prompt a party. Just the thought of sunshine, long days and sultry nights is enough to inspire an impromptu outdoor dinner or a fun-filled barbecue for friends and family.  

Here are our tips to keeping foods safe this summer.

✸ Perishable foods, such as meat and dairy, can develop bacteria when left at room temperature. Keep these items cold by refrigerating them until ready to use.

✸ If you’re bringing food to another location, store it in a cooler packed with plenty of frozen ice packs to keep the temperature below 40°F (4°C).

✸ In hot weather (26°C or higher), don’t leave food outside of a cooler or refrigerator for more than one hour, and keep it covered and away from direct sunlight, if possible.

✸ Always remember to pack cooked and raw foods separately to avoid accidental cross contamination.

✸ If cooking outside, bring extra cutting boards and utensils to handle raw and cooked foods separately.

✸ If you’re going to a park or a beach, be sure to bring some hand sanitizer in case hand-washing facilities are hard to find.