Eating outdoors is not with out its issues is it? We have to contend with the weather, flies, mozzies, wasps etc, not to mention the necessity for a comfy chair, sunscreen and a hat. All that said though Aussies are a nation of outdoor lovers, and there is no better way spend that time outdoors, than on a picnic.
There are some important rules to consider in relation to keeping food safe to eat whilst outdoors.
Temperature
Short of packing up a fridge and taking it with you, the next best thing is an esky. Now eskies are great but can only stay cold for a finite period. Sooner or later the temperature may rise to the temperature danger zone: between 5 and 60°C. If you have more than one esky and can spread the contents between both, then all the better. Ensure you have ice packs fully frozen before placing into the esky and throw a bag or two of ice through over sealed containers once the food is packed. This will help to keep the temperature down.
If barbecuing, keep meat in a sealed container and place at the bottom of the esky, to ensure no raw juices run onto other foods and contaminate them. Take only as much meat as will be eaten. Excess should be discarded. If you are taking a quiche, frittata, cold cooked meats, BBQ chickens, cheeses, creamy desserts or cooked rice or pasta salads, you must ensure these are cold before packing and stay cool as well. Try to have salads dressed where possible and already cooked foods cut or portioned before leaving home, so that less time is needed for preparation at the picnic. Ensure these foods spend as little time as possible in the open prior to serving.
When you arrive, make sure you position the esky in the shade to assist in keeping it cool.
Additional tips
If you are going to an area with no running water, ensure you take some from home for hand washing, washing up and hot drinks. Antibacterial wipes or gel are an excellent stand by as well for grubby fingers.
Don’t forget to pack a gauze throw over, old table cloth or sheet to lay over the food once set out, to prevent spoilage from the ever present flies.
Left-overs
As a general rule in the interests of food safety: if it travelled to the picnic in an esky it is best to discard any left-overs on your return home.