Warmer weather means picnic season, and that means extra caution preparing and storing food, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reminds residents.

The state agency recommends washing hands often while preparing an outdoor meal, doing as much food preparation at home as possible, packing coolers with as much ice as possible, and separating raw foods from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to prevent foodborne illness.

More food safety tips can be found at fda.gov/media/79871/download.

Anyone suspecting food poisoning should contact their local health department or doctor’s office.