From casual cookouts to afternoon barbecues, summer ranks first as America's favorite time of year to entertain.  But just as party plans heat up during the warm weather season, so does the risk of foodborne illness.  To keep bacteria from spoiling your party, the American Dietetic Association and the ConAgra Foods Foundation offer these helpful tips.  Registered Dietitian Cindy Moore:

"When entertaining outdoors during the summer, it's important to remember the one hour rule: in hot weather of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or more, perishable foods should not sit out of refrigeration for longer than one hour.  Also, if you're transporting food to your favorite picnic spot, make sure food stays chilled in a cooler below 40 degrees.  Stock your cooler with plenty of ice and drop in a refrigerator thermometer to check the temperature.  Lastly, remember to transport your cooler in the air-conditioned backseat of the car - not the hot trunk."

For more summer entertaining tips, visit the ADA/ConAgra Foods web site at homefoodsafety-dot-org.

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