2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic have limited the amount of contact we have with those we care about.
The safest way to socialize is virtually, but a low-risk way to see people is at a small, socially distanced outdoor gathering.
There is no evidence that COVID-19 is spread through food, but congregating around food or sharing utensils poses a risk of passing along COVID. In order to safely serve food at a socially distance outdoor gathering, you need to avoid creating situations where people congregate or have to share a utensil in addition to your typical safe food handling practices.
If you are planning on hosting a socially distanced outdoor gathering, first of all, listen to your state and local COVID-19 regulations, and follow CDC guidelines and recommendations. Additionally, if you or anyone in your household is feeling ill or had exposure to someone with COVID, cancel the event, and encourage your guests not to attend if they have symptoms or a possible exposure.
But if state and local regulations allow it, cases in your area are low, and no one from your household is sick or had a possible exposure, here are some tips for serving food in a way that encourages social distancing, as well as food safety tips to prevent spreading another sickness—foodborne illnesses.
The most important thing to remember is that even though you’re outside, you should still be wearing your mask and staying 6 feet apart. You can still spread the virus while you are outdoors. Encourage your guests only to take their masks off while they are eating and to keep a 6-foot distance between each other.
Don’t cluster tables and chairs together, forcing your guests to get close to one another. Set them up 6 feet apart and have one household sit per table.
Having your guests bring their food and beverages to your outdoor gathering will reduce the amount of contact between you and your guests.
If you do decide to serve your guests food, limit food prep and serving to one or two people, to make sure there are not multiple people trying to prepare food in a condensed area.
Have one person serve the food so that your guests are not all handling the serving utensils.
Don’t serve any food that encourages congregating. This means skipping the chips and dip. Food that is easy to serve in individual portions is best.
Grilling hamburgers or hot dogs, a classic outdoor activity, is a great option, among many other foods. Grilling food also keeps you outside, instead of having a bunch of people come through your kitchen.
To avoid double dipping or passing around a bottle of ketchup, try and offer condiments in individual portions. Get creative. Use tiny jars, ramekins, or any other small container.
Here are the most important things to remember as you are preparing food for your guests.
Before preparing food, it is important to wash your hands—and not just because of COVID! It will get rid of other germs as well that can cause the spread of foodborne illnesses.
In addition, consider providing hand sanitizer so that people can sanitize their hands when they see fit.
Meat and poultry need to be cooked to their recommended minimum internal cooking temperature in order to reduce the amount of pathogenic bacteria to a safe level. So, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat before serving.
To prevent pathogenic bacteria from multiplying and reaching a dangerous level, keep hot foods hot (135°F or above) and cold foods cold (41 °F or below). Do not leave food out for more than 2 hours.
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