Enjoying a “tailgate” is great any time of year – and is especially exciting during football season, with all the food, fun, and comradery that lead up to the game! Before, during, and after tailgate time, it’s vital to keep yourself and others safe.
These tips can help:
- Keep ’em cold – Use ice, frozen gel packs, or containers of ice to help keep perishable food like burgers, sausage, and chicken cold before cooking. Make sure cold cuts, salads, and dips – especially those made with mayonnaise – are kept cold, too.
- Keep ’em hot – Enjoy hot takeout within two hours – one hour when temperatures top 90 °F. If you’re packing soup, chili, or stew for later, preheat an insulated container with boiling water for a few minutes, empty it, add piping-hot food, and keep it closed to maintain a safe 140 °F or higher for hours.
- Grill and serve safely – Along with your grill and fuel, pack a food thermometer to make sure meat and poultry reach a bacteria-busting safe temperature – and bring plenty of clean utensils so cooked food stays safely separated from raw ingredients from grill to plate. What’s more, to help prevent injuries and fires, keep horseplay and games away from the grill, keep any loose-fitting clothing clear of the flames, and never grill beneath a pop-up tent.
- Plan a safe ride – If you drink, don’t drive – choose a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service to get home safely.
- Have fun – This is what tailgating is all about!
Keep your next tailgate safe, fun, and terrific – from kickoff to cleanup.
Source:
U.S. Department of Agriculture – https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/tailgating-food-safety-q-a Accessed September 9, 2026
This information and any attachments or links are provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. They are derived from information believed to be accurate. Utica Mutual Insurance Company and the other member insurance companies of the Utica National Insurance Group (“Utica National”) are not providing legal advice or any other professional services. Utica National shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of the information provided. You are encouraged to consult an attorney or other professional for advice on these issues.
Utica National may link to websites operated by other entities within this site. Utica National makes no representations, and disclaims all liability, as to the content or material available at those locations, the accuracy of information, and the quality of products or services provided or advertised on linked websites. By clicking into a linked website, you will leave this site, and you may be subject to the terms and conditions governing the use of such third-party websites. Clicking on any link to a third-party website is done solely at your own risk, and it is your responsibility to take all protective measures to guard against viruses or other destructive elements that may arise or result from the use of any third-party website.
