Summer is the season of enjoying the outdoors, including picnics in some of Georgia’s most beautiful sites! Everyone loves a good picnic, but always play it safe. Here are Chef Andrew’s tricks and tips for making sure that you are going to enjoy your al fresco dining experience from start to finish!

  • Check out the picnic area before your event. Make sure you have clean running water, tables, trashcans with lids, a shady area, and a clean and safe grilling area.
  • When preparing food to be transported you need to remember a few important tips:
    •  Always wash your hands often during food preparation.
    • Pre-patty burgers and preseason chicken or pork before packing. This will help keep a clean an uncontaminated picnic area.
    • Never thaw frozen meat on the counter at room temperature. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or cook directly from frozen.
    • Separate raw foods from prepared food in different coolers, this includes drinks.
    • Make sure you have plenty of ice for coolers. (I usually bring one cooler just for clean ice.)
    • Be sure that you pack enough utensils so that you have ones designated for cooking and serving (this includes plates, tongs, and spatulas).
    • Pack soap and a few clean towels for hand-washing at the site.
  • At the picnic site:
    • Never let food sit out for more than 2 hours
    • Wash hands often at site
    • Keep your food packed under ice, not resting on top of ice (remember that heat rises and cold falls)
    • Cook all food to a safe temperature (https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/mintemp.html)
  • Other Helpful Tips and Things to Have On-Hand:
    • Bring a first aid kit including an epipen.
    • Pack a fire extinguisher
    • Pack up leftovers immediately in a clean unused container and return to a cooler.
    •  Wash your hands often during cleanup
    • Bring small screen covers to protect food from bugs while on the picnic table.
    • After the picnic you must be willing to toss out any extra food that you think may have been compromised by temperature abuse or cross contamination. (When in doubt, throw it out!)

We hope you have lots of safe and enjoyable events with family and friends this summer!