• 15 Aug, 2025
• Magazica

Hot Plates, Hidden Risks

Why Summer Raises the Risk

Bacteria thrive in warm, humid weather, growing most rapidly between 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F)—known as the “danger zone”. In summer, food left out for more than two hours (or just one hour if temperatures exceed 32 °C/90 °F) can become hazardous. Health Canada estimates nearly 4 million foodborne illnesses per year in Canada—and summer dining habits accelerate that risk.

When restaurants or food trucks are involved, risks can be amplified. Eating out introduces potential for contaminated ingredients, inadequate refrigeration, or unsafe water sources—especially if food prep occurs off-site or in makeshift kitchens.

Common Hot-Weather Hazards

The Human Impact

Symptoms of foodborne illness include cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fever—and they’re not limited to a bad stomach ache. Some bacteria can trigger long-term complications. Vulnerable populations—children, seniors, and individuals with compromised immunity—face greater risks.

In Canada, poor food handling outdoors is blamed for many cases each summer. In British Columbia alone, roughly 1,400 people fall ill daily due to foodborne pathogens.

Summer Dining Safety Made Simple

Here’s how to enjoy your summer meals without worry:

1. Clean Up and Wash Up

Always wash hands before eating or handling food—and use sanitizer if water isn’t available. From servers to guests, cleanliness prevents transmission.

2. Keep it Chill

Store raw ingredients and leftovers in coolers with ice packs. Never let perishable food sit unrefrigerated for more than 1–2 hours depending on heat.

3. Cook to Safe Temperatures

Use digital food thermometers—especially when grilling outdoors—to ensure meats, fish, and poultry hit safe internal temps.

4. Separate Raw & Cooked Foods

Use different utensils and plates for raw meats and ready-to-eat items. Minimize contact with shared surfaces.

5. Serve Small Batches

Refill cold or hot dishes regularly instead of leaving large platters out. Keep cold foods below 4 °C and hot foods above 60 °C.

6. Know Which Foods to Skip

Stay cautious with seafood salads, raw eggs, soft cheeses, or anything that’s been in the sun too long.

Putting Tips into Practice

At a backyard BBQ? Keep potato salads chilled, serve proteins in small portions, and cut cut fruit just before serving. Using coolers during long picnics makes a big difference.

Ordering from a street vendor? Look for busy stalls, ask about refrigeration, and avoid hot foods that have been sitting under tents for hours.

When eating at restaurants, trust your instincts: lukewarm food, improper plating, or poor hygiene practices are red flags.

The Bigger Picture

Eating out should be safe—and safe eating should thrive in the norms of summer festivities. That means treating food safety as part of good planning—whether at a picnic, patio, or festival. Governments in Canada, the Northwest Territories, and globally (through WHO and FDA) have issued seasonal guidance stressing basic precautions that still get overlooked in the heat.

Final Bite

Summer food is a pleasure—but only if served safely. By keeping temperatures in check, handling food mindfully, and staying alert to common pitfalls, you can savor every bite without unwanted outcomes. After all, summer memories taste best when they don’t come with a side of food poisoning.

References:

Health Canada. (2025, February 5). Summer food safety tips. Government of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/seasonal-food-safety/summer-food-safety-tips.html Canada.ca+1World Health Organization+1Recalls and Safety Alerts+3Canada.ca+3Canada.ca+3

Government of the Northwest Territories, Health and Social Services. (n.d.). Summer food safety guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/summer-food-safety-guidelines

World Health Organization. (approx. 2 years ago). Public health advice on food safety during summer. WHO Regional Office for Europe. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/public-health-advice-on-food-safety-during-summer World Health Organization

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Handling food safely while eating outdoors. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/handling-food-safely-while-eating-outdoors

CommunityCare. (n.d.). Summer, the season of food poisoning. Retrieved from https://communitycare.com/summer-the-season-of-food-poisoning/