05/19/2026
🍽️ Community Gatherings = Great Food… and Smart Food Safety!
Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, festival, or family cookout, food brings us
together — but safe food handling keeps everyone healthy and happy.
As you gather with friends and neighbors, keep these food safety and
allergy awareness tips in mind:
🧊 Keep it cold, keep it hot
Cold foods should stay chilled, and hot foods should stay hot. Don’t let
food sit out too long (the 2-hour rule is your friend!).
🧼 Clean hands = safe hands
Wash hands often, especially before handling food or eating. Hand
sanitizer is helpful, but soap and water are best.
🥗 Avoid cross-contamination
Use separate utensils and plates for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods.
No “double dipping” at the buffet table!
🚨 Know your allergies
If you’re hosting, label foods clearly and ask guests about allergies ahead
of time. If you’re attending, don’t be shy about speaking up — your safety
matters.
❤️ A little extra care goes a long way in keeping our community
gatherings safe for everyone.
📞 Questions? Contact the Brown County Health Department at
812.988.2255