By DAILY PRESS STAFF
CITYWIDE As Memorial Day approaches, many Santa Monicans might be dusting off their grills, and preparing to spend the holiday weekend enjoying picnics at the beach, camping, or barbecuing in the backyard.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health would like to remind cooks that combining warm temperatures and the great outdoors could be a recipe for disaster if food isn’t properly handled.
“Cooks should only have to worry about whether there’s enough food on the table for a gathering and not whether the food will make people sick,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, director of public health.“Food contains bacteria that could cause food poisoning if the dishes are not properly prepared or cooked.
“Simple food safety precautions such as washing your hands before and after handling raw food and maintaining correct temperatures during and after cooking will ensure your guests walk away with great memories of a good meal instead of a nasty illness.”
Some common symptoms that may be caused by food-borne bacteria include diar-
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 24, 2008. Read the original PDF.