Cool boxes 'can help keep picnics safe'

Keeping picnic food in a sealed, chilled environment is essential to making sure bacteria does not spoil a fun day out, according to health experts.

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service has warned people eating outdoors this summer to keep food clean, separated and chilled by using carriers such as a cool box.

Rebecca Dittmar, AgriLife Extension associate for food protection management, stated that hot temperatures can accelerate the production of bacteria which could lead to food poisoning, and as a result picnic-goers need to be extra cautious.

The expert also advised that people use several different cool boxes or chillers, one for vegetables and cooked foods, one for any raw meats being barbecued at the site and one for drinks.

When transporting food to a picnic, the best place for the cool box is in the interior of the car rather than the boot and once at their destination people should store food in a cool location, she continued.

"Once you get to the picnic site, put the cooler in the shade and only open it when necessary, leaving food inside until just before serving time," Ms Dittmar added.

Anyone looking for an excuse to dig out their picnic equipment this weekend could follow in the footsteps of the Americans, who are expected to turn out at picnic grounds en masse to celebrate July 4th.