Summer is the perfect time for outdoor BBQs, but warm weather also increases the risk of foodborne illness – especially when hosting at home. If you’re planning a backyard BBQ in the Sacramento area, keeping food safety in mind is essential to protect your guests and ensure a fun, stress-free day.

Start with the basics:

• Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods.
• Start with clean surfaces. Clean and sanitize countertops, pans, knives, and utensils before starting.
• Use cleaned or different utensils when handling raw and finished foods.
• Wash your hands often, especially between handling raw meats, and anything else including cutting boards, knives, oven and door handles, and finished foods.
• Don’t leave perishable foods like potato salad, burgers, or chicken out for more than two hours.
• Keep hot foods hot (above 140°F) and cold foods cold (below 40°F) with chafing dishes, insulated coolers, or ice baths.
• Clean as you go. Try to avoid dishes piling up waiting to be cleaned.

Hosting a BBQ should be enjoyable – not a juggling act of grilling, monitoring food temps, and managing cleanup. That’s where a professional caterer like Lunch Box Express can help. We offer full-service BBQ catering for company picnics large and small, house parties, and handling everything from setup to serving and cleanup. Our experienced team ensures your food is prepared and served safely, so you can relax and enjoy your guests.

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a big summer bash, trust Lunch Box Express in Sacramento for reliable, delicious, and safe catering services.