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Summer's almost over and it's time to plan for one last long weekend party. But remember, it's still warm - so that presents increased food safety dangers. Savor the end of summer with good food and friends - and not a foodborne illness.

Are you going to celebrate the weekend by throwing a grilling party? Make sure you have a plan that includes food safety and fire safety. Practicing proper food and fire safety principles and procedures are the keys to having a safe weekend full of fun, food, and family time!

Following good food safety habits can help protect you and your family from food illness. To keep your family safe from food illness, follow these four simple steps: clean, separate, cook, and chill:

Raw poultry (turkey, chicken, duck, goose, quail, etc.) may contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter. Proper preparation, cooking, and storage procedures must be followed - or a foodborne illness can occur.

Biological food hazards are biological agents that can pose a threat to human health and include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Bacteria and viruses are responsible for most foodborne illnesses and are the biggest threat to food safety. The most common result of infections from biological agents is gastroenteritis - inflammation of the stomach and small intestine. Also called the “stomach flu”, gastroenteritis is generally acquired through consumption of contaminated food or water, or through direct contact with an object, surface, or person - as a result of poor sanitation and/or hygiene.