Sound Living: Food Safety for Warm Weather - 4/26/2025

Picnic and barbecue season offers lot of opportunities for outdoor fun with family and friends. However, these events also present opportunities for foodborne bacteria to thrive. As food heats up in warmer temperatures, bacteria multiply rapidly. Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee says keeping food at proper temperatures – indoors and out – is critical in preventing the growth of foodborne bacteria. She discusses keeping food out of the “Danger Zone” and offers tips for reducing the risk of foodborne illness by following four simple steps: clean, separate, cook and chill.