What would a tailgate be without food? While game day goes great with food, family, and friends, it does not go well with foodborne illnesses. Before you head out to your next tailgate, keep some basic food safety tips in mind so everyone can stay in the game.

It is important to keep hot foods hot at 140°F or above and cold foods cold at 40°F or below. Food should be transported in insulated coolers with plenty of ice or ice packs. Follow the two-hour rule (or one hour rule if temperatures are above 90°F), and don’t leave perishable food out for longer than two hours.

Wash or sanitize your hands before preparing or eating food. Hand sanitizer is helpful, but washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to remove bacteria and dirt.

If you are tailgating, a portable handwashing station is an easy way to clean hands and promote food safety. This station can provide access to hand washing even when sinks aren’t available. A portable handwashing station is easy to set up with clean water, soap, paper towels, and a catch bucket for wastewater. To set up a handwashing station, use a table or other flat, elevated surface to set up a water jug with a spigot. Have hand soap and paper towels next to the jug. Fill the jug with warm water and put a bucket under the water jug to catch the excess water.

When cooking, use separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked foods to avoid cross contamination. You should also ensure that you have disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces to prevent contamination. Staying healthy and safe will allow you to cheer on your team and enjoy tailgating. Try this recipe for Grilled Pineapple at your next tailgate. It is a tasty treat that can serve as a side or a healthier dessert. For more information on food safety, visit the LSU AgCenter.

Grilled Pineapple

Ingredients:

1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced 1” thick

½ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Combine brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth. Spread mixture on each side of each pineapple ring. Grill pineapple for 2 to 5 minutes on a two-sided grill until sugar melts and pineapple is heated and tender. Serve immediately.