BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- The Berrien County Health Department is providing safe food handling tips this summer.

“The Berrien County Health Department works year-round to educate community members about best practices for safe food handling,” said Nick Margaritis, BCHD’s environmental health manager. “This summer, our goal is to help the community enjoy the season safely, without the risk of foodborne illnesses at picnics and other gathering," said Margaritis.

The BCHD is sharing the following safe food handling tips for summer gatherings:

• Wash hands often with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
• Clean all surfaces where food will be prepared or consumed with hot, soapy water.
• Clean cooking utensils after each use with warm, soapy water, especially after handling raw meat, seafood and eggs.
• Keep food cold and under 41 degrees until it is ready to be cooked or consumed. Bacteria grows rapidly between the temperatures of 41 degrees and 135 degrees. Pack food in coolers with plenty of ice to maintain a temperature of below 41 degrees.
• Store beverages separately from food to maintain a cool temperature. Beverage coolers are opened more frequently, letting hot air in.
• Cook all meat and seafood at the recommended minimum temperature listed at foodsafety.gov and use a meat thermometer while cooking.
• Store meat and seafood in a cooler no more than two hours before cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack raw meat and seafood separately from prepared food to avoid contamination.

The community may report concerns about foodborne illnesses to the BCHD by calling 269-927-5623 or online.