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Its that time of year when folks suddenly want to doeverythingoutsideincluding eating.

9 Tips to Reduce Food Poisoning Risk During a Picnic

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And what better way to do so than at apicnic?

In fact, the bugs can nearly double every 20 minutes in scorching conditions, she says.

As opposed to simply enjoying your time, youll be on thermometer duty all day instead.

But what about the watermelon before you cube it?

So if youll be serving fruit salad or veggie trays, ensure you washallyour produce first.

And do it at home, Dr. Garden-Robinson says.

Not all parks, beaches, or other popular outdoor spots have water access, she says.

When its time to get packing, keep your food separated!

For example, if you plan to bring sashimi to your outing, put them in a designated carrier.

You dont want icky, bacteria-infused juices from uncooked fish seeping into already-prepped dishes, Dr. Garden-Robinson says.

So place your bread, cold cuts, spreads, and toppings in their own bags or containers.

Thats where some fun gear comes in.

Luckily,weve hand-selecteda list of coolers equipped to haul an assortment of drinks, snacks, and dishes.

Dont have a fancy picnic tote?

Get creative with what you have in your house.

The easiest way to monitor your meals is by bringing a food thermometer, Donne says.

After all, you cant eyeball those temp recs above, right?

Not only does this prevent cross-contamination, but it also helps keep the important stuff cold for longer.

Try serving your friends in courses, Sanni says.

You dont want to leave your condiments like ketchup and relish out too long either.

Nasty pests like flies are the worst picnic guests.

Bringserving containers($20, Amazon) with lids so your food isnt left to the elements.

Basically, trash any perishable meals like lettuce wraps or egg salad that werent keptandmaintained at the correct temp.

Moisture can seep into improperly sealed bags or containers, which can set the stage for bacterial growth.

We hope by now that youre a picnic-packing, food-safety pro.