Picnic Precautions

Government experts say the latest scare over contaminated hamburger should not make Americans hysterical about food safety over the Labor Day weekend. But, they caution, there are common-sense ways to ensure safe picnics. Keep hot foods hot, cook food appropriately, wash your hands - and don’t cross-contaminate. Pick up refrigerated or frozen items just before heading to the checkout counter. And, when loading your groceries, don’t put perishables in the trunk. Wash hands with hot soapy water before handling food and after handling raw meat. Be careful about fruit because it can carry salmonella. Remove dirt from vegetables.