Picnic food safety class at BMHS

Blue Mountain Health System will host a "Summer Picnic" complete with picnic food and information on how to prevent food-borne illness from improper food handling at 12:30 p.m., July 23 in the community room at the Gnaden Huetten campus, 211 N. 12th St., Lehighton.

"There's more to food safety than keeping the potato salad cold," speaker Nancy Matyas said.

"Picnicking is a special part of many summertime activities, but warm weather events also present opportunities for food-borne bacteria to thrive."

As food heats up in summer temperatures, bacteria multiply rapidly. If picnic foods are not handled safely, illnesses like E. coli and salmonella may result.

In addition, Keri Byrne, nutrition education adviser from Penn State Extension, will talk about safe tailgating and what to do when the power goes out.

Learn how to prevent illness by following general rules for food safety, from shopping, to cooking, to cleaning, to storing leftovers.

The picnic menu includes chicken fingers, macaroni salad, melon kebabs and iced tea.

There is a $5 per person fee and pre-registration and payment are required. Call 610-377-7070 for more information or to register.