Beat the Heat: Essential Summer Food Safety Tips from the Health Department

The Berrien County Health Department is reminding everyone to be careful with food this summer. With warmer weather, there’s a higher risk of food poisoning. Brian Murphy, an Environmental Health Supervisor, notes that bacteria thrive in heat. Hospitals often see more patients with foodborne illnesses during this season.

As cookouts and celebrations kick off, it’s crucial to keep food safe. Murphy shares a simple rule: keep cold food at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Use plenty of ice in coolers and avoid opening them frequently.

For grilling, a digital meat thermometer is a must. It ensures that your food is cooked to a safe temperature. Also, don’t forget to wash your hands before and after handling food!

In the U.S., about 48 million people suffer from food-related illnesses each year. That’s roughly 1 in 6 Americans! Of these, around 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 lose their lives. If you’re ever unsure about food safety, Murphy advises, “When in doubt, throw it out.”

Food safety is everyone’s responsibility. You can find more information on food safety on [FoodSafety.gov](http://foodsafety.gov). If you encounter unsafe food, report it to the health department [here](http://bit.ly/4jKm5iH).

Knowing how to keep food safe is especially important during gatherings. This summer, let’s enjoy our meals but stay cautious. Let’s keep our friends and families healthy!

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