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Summer months brings out everyone's barbecue grills. But, in warmer temperatures - additional food safety care must be taken because bacteria multiply faster. Following a few simple principles and guidelines can prevent a food illness.

Foodborne illness is a common – yet preventable – public health problem. Ensuring food safety is increasingly more important as food trends change along with the globalization of our food supply. To prevent foodborne illness, it is necessary to understand how food becomes unsafe to eat and what proactive measures can be taken.

Raw chicken and poultry may contain harmful bacteria and washing it does not remove the bacteria. This bacteria can also be spread to other items and food - if proper procedures are not followed. The only way to kill bacteria on chicken is by cooking it to a safe internal temperature - as measured by a food thermometer.

Camping and hiking are great ways to exercise and appreciate nature. But they also create hunger - and food that is not packed properly and handled safely can create foodborne illness.

Raw shellfish (e.g. oysters, clams, mussels) can pose an increased risk to be contaminated - as they are filter feeders and become contaminated when their waters are polluted with raw sewage and bacteria.