Food Safety on the Fourth Independence Day often brings cookouts
and family time, but uninvited bacteria can join the party too.
Published: Jul 4, 2012 Warm temperatures that draw crowds of
people to outdoor 4th of July celebrations also encourage the
growth of bacteria, and incidents of food-related illnesses rise
in summer months, according to the USDA Food Safety and
Inspection Service. But four simple steps—Clean, Separate, Cook,
and Chill—can help families stay away from foodborne illness at
Independence Day celebrations. "Small children and the elderly
are among the most vulnerable to foodborne illness, and this
information is essential in protecting loved ones at family
barbecues and picnics," USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr.
Elisabeth Hagen said. "We want to provide families with
important information that will help reduce the risk of
foodborne illness during their Fourth of July celebrations."
Independence Day often brings cookouts and family time, but
uninvited bacteria can join the party to