Food Safety 101: Fall Edition
Light your pumpkin-scented candle, pull out your crockpot, and head to your local pumpkin patch or apple orchard because fall cooking is upon us! Whether you’re preparing food for a tailgate before rooting on your favorite football team, taking in the beautiful fall foliage on a camping trip, or participating in a potluck, food safety is a critical part of ensuring a fun and healthy outing.
While these fall activities often involve enjoying autumn’s delicious foods, it’s important to ensure you’re handling your grilled food safely. We’re breaking down important steps to follow when it comes to prepping, cooking, storing, and packing your favorite seasonal dishes.
General Food Safety Tips to Follow
Before and after prepping any food, thoroughly wash your hands.
Make sure you’re using clean cutting boards and utensils.
Before cutting fruits and vegetables, always wash them first.
Separate raw and cooked meats.
Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator.
Use covers to protect food when outdoors.
Food Safety Tips for Fall Activities
Tailgates and Grilling
Nothing says fall quite like a football tailgate. Burgers, hot dogs, brats, chicken, and steaks are all favorites—but outdoor cooking requires extra attention to food safety.
Before You Grill
Store raw meat in a separate cooler from drinks and ready-to-eat foods.
Keep raw meat sealed to prevent juices from leaking onto other foods.
Pack plenty of ice or frozen gel packs to keep food cold.
While Cooking
A browned burger or grilled chicken isn't always fully cooked inside. The only reliable way to know your food is safe is by checking the internal temperature with a food thermometer.
Safe cooking temperatures include:
145°F for steaks, chops, and roasts (plus a three-minute rest)
160°F for burgers and other ground meats
165°F for chicken and turkey
After Grilling
Place cooked meat on a clean serving platter—not the one that held raw meat.
Keep hot foods warm until serving.
Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Fall Potlucks
Potlucks are a fun way to enjoy homemade meals with family and friends, but they're also one of the easiest places for food to spend too much time in the temperature danger zone.
To help keep everyone safe:
Keep Hot Foods Hot
Use slow cookers or warming trays.
Keep hot foods at 140°F or warmer until serving.
Keep Cold Foods Cold
Serve cold dishes over bowls or trays of ice.
Return cold foods to the refrigerator as soon as possible.
Serve Food in Small Batches
Instead of placing all the food out at once, refill serving dishes as needed. This helps reduce the amount of time food sits at room temperature.
Outdoor Activities like Hiking and Camping
Whether you're hiking through fall colors or spending the weekend camping, planning ahead helps keep meals safe.
Before You Leave
Wash fruits and vegetables before packing.
Prepare ingredients at home whenever possible.
Freeze water bottles or juice boxes to use as ice packs.
Smart Cooler Tips
Pack coolers tightly to help them stay cold longer.
Keep the cooler closed as much as possible.
Store raw meat separately from snacks and ready-to-eat foods.
Great Grab-and-Go Foods
Many non-perishable foods travel well during outdoor adventures, including:
Trail mix
Granola bars
Beef jerky
Peanut butter
Crackers
Dried fruit
For perishable foods like sandwiches, cheese, yogurt, or cooked meat, keep them chilled until you're ready to eat.
Don't Forget About Leftovers
Whether you're cleaning up after a tailgate or packing away leftovers from a potluck, proper storage matters.
Remember the 2-Hour Rule:
Refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours.
If temperatures are above 90°F, refrigerate within 1 hour.
Store leftovers in shallow, airtight containers so they cool quickly.
Most cooked leftovers can be safely enjoyed within 3 to 4 days.
If in Doubt, Throw it Out
One of the simplest food safety rules is also one of the most important.
If you're unsure how long food has been sitting out or whether it was stored properly, it's safest to throw it away.
Foodborne illness isn't always obvious by smell, taste, or appearance. When in doubt, don't take the risk. For more information on how long you can store food and leftovers, check out more blogs.
Enjoy Fall with Confidence
Fall traditions bring people together around great food. Whether you're grilling before kickoff, sharing your favorite chili recipe, or enjoying lunch on a hiking trail, following a few simple food safety habits can help keep everyone healthy.
Clean your hands, cook foods to the proper temperature, keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, and refrigerate leftovers promptly. With a little planning, you can enjoy every bite of the season safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can food sit out at a tailgate?
Perishable foods should not sit out for more than 2 hours. If the outdoor temperature is above 90°F, food should be refrigerated or discarded after 1 hour.
How do I keep food cold at a tailgate or picnic?
Use insulated coolers with plenty of ice or frozen gel packs. Keep the cooler closed as much as possible and store it in the shade whenever you can.
What temperature should grilled chicken be cooked to?
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. The safest way to check is with a food thermometer.
Why should I use a meat thermometer when grilling?
Grilled meat can brown on the outside before it's fully cooked inside. A food thermometer ensures your food has reached a safe internal temperature and helps prevent undercooking.
How can I prevent cross-contamination while grilling?
Keep raw meat separate from cooked food, use clean utensils and serving plates, and wash your hands after handling raw meat. Never place cooked meat back on the same plate that held raw meat.
What's the best way to transport food for camping or hiking?
Pack perishable foods in an insulated cooler with frozen gel packs or frozen water bottles. Keep the cooler closed whenever possible and store it in a shaded location.
How long do leftovers last after a potluck?
Most cooked leftovers can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, provided they were refrigerated within the recommended time.
Can cooler weather make food safer?
Not necessarily. Even during the fall, bacteria can grow if food remains in the temperature danger zone (between 40°F and 140°F) for too long. Proper storage and temperature control are still important.
What's the safest way to thaw meat before grilling?
The safest methods are thawing meat in the refrigerator, in cold water that's changed every 30 minutes, or in the microwave if you'll cook it immediately afterward. Never thaw meat on the countertop.
