Keep your food safe during hot summer days

CINCINNATI - Food safety is the new "secret ingredient" in all summer meals indoors and out, says registered dietician Pat Baird.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says 76 million Americans get food poisoning every year and 5,000 deaths occur as a result of food-borne diseases.

"What many people forget is that children, older adults, diabetics and anyone with an immune-compromised disorder are more susceptible to bacteria an viruses in food," Baird explained.

Summer meals are also notorious for being loaded with saturated fat and cholesterol. That adds to health and weight risks for the whole family.

The good news is that summer is the ideal time to include more fruits and vegetables into meals, and kick-up nutrition a couple of notches.

Baird lists several ways to keep your meals safe to eat.

Keep It Safe!:

-Fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry and seafood are common items that carry food-borne illnesses

-Temperature is critical: keep hot foods hot; cold foods cold

-Use a variety of thermometers: refrigerator, oven, and meat and know the proper numbers for each

-Use the right equipment to carry and transport foods: thermos, ice packs, etc.

Serve More Salads:

-Two and a half cups of vegetables is the latest Dietary Guideline

-Seasonal salads have more color, nutrition and overall appeal

-Great way to add vitamins A, E, C and folate + potassium and fiber

Cut Saturated Fat and Cholesterol:

-Replace butter with soft spreads on veggies, breads and in recipes

-Enjoy more main course salads as described above

-Serve more vegetable platters with healthy oil dip rather than creamy types

-Choose snacks - candy, ice cream, etc. - with less sat fat and cholesterol

READ labels for ingredients + expiration dates (for safety!)