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Food safety on a night out in Lexington

A basketball game at Rupp Arena, a spring meet at Keeneland, a football Saturday at Kroger Field or a show downtown often comes with food: a tailgate spread, a picnic on the grass, takeaway on the drive home. The habits that keep a home kitchen safe still apply outdoors and on the move. They just need a little more planning.

Tailgates and picnics

Pack raw meat in sealed containers at the bottom of the cooler so juices cannot drip onto salads, fruit or drinks. A second cooler just for beverages helps, because it gets opened constantly and warms up fast. Keep cold food at 40°F or below with plenty of ice or frozen gel packs. Bring a food thermometer, since grill colour is a poor guide to doneness. Official guidance calls for 160°F for burgers and other ground beef or pork, 165°F for poultry and hot dogs reheated until steaming, and 145°F followed by a three-minute rest for whole cuts of beef, pork and lamb. Use a clean plate for cooked food, never the one that carried it raw.

The two-hour rule

Perishable food should not sit out for more than two hours, or one hour when the air is above 90°F, which is easy to reach on a sunny Kentucky afternoon. If the game or race runs long, put leftovers back on ice early or throw them away. When in doubt, throw it out.

Farmers' market finds

Produce from the Lexington Farmers' Market tastes best fresh, but it still needs a rinse under running water before eating, even if you plan to peel it. Bag raw meat, eggs and dairy separately from produce, and bring an insulated bag if you will be out for a while before heading home.

Clean hands away from the sink

Venues and parks do not always have handwashing stations near where you eat. Pack water, soap and paper towels for tailgates. Hand sanitiser helps, but it is a backup, not a replacement for washing.

Always check each venue's official website for current rules on coolers, outside food and grilling before you go. If you film your cookout, our video basics guide covers getting clean footage, and the guides section has more practical tips.