Avoid food poisoning at your next cookout [Video]

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Having a picnic or cookout at a park or a beach is a great summer tradition, but the warm weather can quickly turn tasty treats into nasty bacteria. Consumer Reports food safety teams share essential reminders to keep food poisoning off your summer menu.

“Bacteria love hot and humid summer weather, making it the perfect time of year for harmful bacteria to multiply quickly on food,” said James Rogers, the head of Consumer Reports Food Safety Research and Testing.

More people get food poisoning in the summer than at any other time. When you’re packing food for a picnic or a cookout somewhere else follow these recommendations.

Prep and store your food and coolers the night before.Fill the coolers with ice to lower the temperature, and keep all your …