Picnics, cookouts, grilling and family get-togethers are often part of Labor Day celebrations. The Iowa Department of Public Health is reminding Iowans to take precautions to keep food safe at these events. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that each year, 76 million Americans get sick, more than 300,000 are taken to the hospital, and 5,000 people die from food-borne illnesses. Most food-borne illness that occur in Iowa last one to three days and affect the digestive tract with nausea, vomiting and fever.

Keep food free of bacteria by keeping cold food cold and hot food hot. Cook meats thoroughly – chicken to 165 degrees, hamburger to 160 degrees and pork chops or steaks to 145 degrees. Food should be marinated in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Also, remember to wash hands with warm, soapy water. For more tips and information click here.