Camping & Picnic Food Safety Tips: Enjoy Outdoors Without Risk

Spending time outdoors with family and friends is fun, but foodborne illnesses can quickly turn a memorable picnic or camping trip into a health nightmare. Whether you’re in the mountains, at the beach, or your local park, following these food safety tips ensures your meals stay safe and delicious.

1. Plan Ahead

• Choose non-perishable or easy-to-store foods when possible.
• Pre-portion snacks and meals to minimize handling outdoors.
• Pack foods in insulated coolers with plenty of ice packs.

2. Keep Cold Foods Cold

• Cold foods should be kept at below 4°C (40°F).
• Use ice packs or blocks of ice, rather than loose cubes, for longer cooling.
• Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination.

3. Cook Foods Thoroughly

• If grilling or cooking outdoors, ensure meats are cooked to the right temperature:
  • Chicken & poultry: 75°C (165°F)
  • Ground meats: 71°C (160°F)
  • Beef, lamb, pork: 63°C (145°F) and rest 3 minutes
• Use a food thermometer to check temperatures, especially in hot climates.

4. Prevent Cross-Contamination

• Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and plates for raw and cooked foods.
• Wash hands or use hand sanitizer before handling food.
• Avoid touching ready-to-eat items with hands that handled raw meat.

5. Keep Food Covered & Protected

• Store food in sealed containers or wrapped securely.
• Protect food from insects, animals, and dust.
• Avoid leaving perishable foods in the sun for long periods.

6. Manage Leftovers Safely

• Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly after the trip.
• Discard perishable foods left out for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour in hot weather.
• Do not reheat food multiple times; only reheat what you plan to eat immediately.

7. Handwashing & Hygiene

• Always wash hands before eating, handling food, or after using the restroom.
• Keep hand sanitizer or wet wipes handy if water is not available.
• Teach children safe food habits while outdoors.

8. Beverage Safety

• Keep drinks in sealed bottles or containers.
• Avoid adding ice from unknown sources—use clean, safe ice.
• Ensure water for drinking or cooking is treated or bottled.