Tailgating Time Again: Don't Forget Food Safety

Football season is here, and thousands of Alabamians will be tailgating before and after games.

Although tailgating traditions vary among schools and regions, they all include food. The heat in the Southeast sometimes dictates the food selections for tailgating. During the early part of football season, while temperatures are warm, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers are always a favorite, as are fried chicken, potato salad and baked beans served with your favorite cold beverage.

As temperatures cool down, soups, chili and stews gain more attention, along with hot chocolate and coffee.

No matter what the food, safety should always be a priority, says Dr. Jean Weese, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System food scientist.

“One common mistake among tailgaters is forgetting how hot a car trunk can be this time of year,” Weese says.

To learn more about tailgating food safety, listen to Dr. Weese's entire interview on an Extension podcast.

Posted by at August 29, 2007 01:50 PM