The Berrien County Health Department is reminding everyone to take precautions with their food this summer.

Department Environmental Health Supervisor Brian Murphy tells us summer is the time of year when hospitals will see a lot of patients with food poisoning.

“Due to the warmer temperatures, it just allows bacteria in the food to multiply faster when it’s warmer outside and it’s exposed to that warmer weather,” Murphy said.

Murphy says with cookouts and celebrations, there will be ample opportunity this summer for food to be left out in temperatures that could lead to bacteria. There’s a rule of thumb to follow.

“41 degrees or below is what we’re looking for as far as cold food safety. So you can never use too little ice. Ice is great. Just keep everything iced down. You’re putting things in coolers, make sure you’re using enough ice, you’re not opening it frequently.”

Murphy says keep cold food cold and hot food hot. If grilling, use a digital meat thermometer to ensure everything’s being cooked safely. Also, remember hand washing is key. So, wash your hands before and after handling food.

Murphy says about 48 million people get a food-related illness each year in the U.S. Of those, about 128,000 will be hospitalized, and 3,000 will die. Regarding questionable food, he tells everyone, “When in doubt, throw it out.”

You can learn more about food safety right here.

You can report unsafe food to the health department right here.