Guest column: Food safety is a must for cookouts with friends and family The Daily Ardmoreite Nothing says summer like shorts, flip flops, sunblock, and a backyard cookout. While you are thinking about fun in the sun and tasty hotdogs on the grill, it is a good idea to keep food safety in mind, too, said Barbara Brown, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension food specialist. “Inviting people over for a cookout can be a lot of fun, but summertime can be a prime time for foodborne illnesses,” Brown said. “Listeriosis is one of the most deadly foodborne illnesses. It’s a dangerous fast-growing bacteria that can grow in both warm and cold temperatures.”