With summer under way, many of us are planning to host or attend outdoor events. Here are some food safety tips to keep in mind as you pack your picnic baskets.

Keep it at the right temperature:

• Try to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
  
  
• Remember the "danger zone." Avoid keeping foods between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  
• Don't let leftover food sit outside for extended periods (more than 2 hours indoors or more than 1 hour outdoors).
  
  
• Pack foods so that they will maintain the appropriate temperatures when you're traveling any distance.
  
  
• When cooking outdoors on the grill, use a meat thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees for hamburgers and 170 degrees for chicken.
  
  

Avoid cross-contamination:

• Don't handle or cook raw meats without washing your hands before and after handling different types of meats.
  
  
• Remember to clean surfaces well between preparation of meats, chicken, fruits, and vegetables.
  
  
• If you're away from your kitchen, bring a supply of wipes or another way to keep hands and surfaces clean.