(Washington, D.C., April 8, 2008) As the summer season approaches, we can expect warmer weather, family vacations, sunbathing and loads of outdoor fun. However, before the fun begins and you start packing for a family picnic, or firing up the grill, remember, safety comes first. The International Food Information (IFIC) Foundation is providing some food safety information to help ensure your summertime meals are memorable and safe.
Features on IFIC.org include the following Summer Foods and Fun-related offerings:
Ø Sizzling Summer Food Preparation Tips— It’s that time of year when there’s nothing better than outdoor grilling and patio dining. Get food safety tips on how to prepare and keep your summer foods safe.
Ø The Right Season for Ripe Fruit—Summer is the perfect season to consume more fruits and vegetables. Find out what benefits some of your favorite fruits and vegetables offer beyond basic nutrition.
Ø Good Hydration is Key to Fun in the Sun—Too much fun in the sun can equal an imbalance of fluids in the body. Find out the role water and electrolytes play to make a day of fun in the sun safer for the body. The key is getting the right balance of water and sodium lost in perspiration.
Ø Let’s Play it Safe—Let the picnics, pool parties, amusement parks, and vacations begin, but keep in mind these are all places and events that pose the potential for exposure to food allergens. Let’s revisit the different types of food allergens and their reactions before sensitive individuals take their first bite of that homemade snack or boardwalk treat.
Ø Summer Fun for Kids with Recipes, Activities and more—Need ideas for kid-friendly recipes? Well, Kidnetic.com offers a recipe round-up of “thirst quenchers,” “Cool Sides and Entrees” and exciting outdoor/indoor summer fun activities.
For additional information on summer food safety and fun, or to schedule an interview with an expert please call the IFIC Foundation Media Team at 202-296-6540.
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The International Food Information Council (IFIC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to effectively communicate science-based information on food safety and nutrition to health and nutrition professionals, educators, government officials, journalists and others providing information to consumers. IFIC is supported primarily by the broad-based food, beverage and agricultural industries. For interviews with experts or for more information, call (202) 296-6540.
