DAVIS COUNTY — Summer picnics can be a prime breeding ground for food-borne illnesses.

The Davis County Health Department is offering tips to help prevent their occurrence.

“The high temperature quickly allows bacteria to reproduce on any foods stored inside which increases your risk of food-borne illnesses,” said County Health Director Lewis Garrett.

Hot summer can easily raise a parked vehicle’s inside temperature well beyond 100 degrees F, he said.

“Insulated bags or coolers will help maintain correct temperatures when transporting potentially hazardous foods such as meats and dairy items back to your home,” Garrett said.

He advises placing all appropriate food items back in refrigerators or freezers immediately upon returning home.

“Raw meats that need to be defrosted prior to preparation and cooking can be done in several ways,” said Linda Ebert, Food Service and Facilities Bureau manager with the health department.

“These methods are slow, but provide a safe way to defrost foods. Never thaw meats on the counter or at room temperature,” she said.

Frozen foods can be placed in a refrigerator and packaged foods can be placed in cold running water, she said.

If less time is available, a microwave can be used to defrost frozen meats as long as the meat is cooked immediately, Ebert said.

For more information check out July 12 edition of Davis Clipper.