Independence Day is the height of picnic season: sunny weather, a day off from work and fireworks displays to lure everyone outdoors. But those picnics may come at a high price: each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 48 million episodes of foodborne illness occur in the United States, along with 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths due to contaminated food.

To make sure everyone comes home happy, food safety advocate and attorney Bill Marler has some practical advice.Road trips: Thousands will hit the road this 4th to find the perfect spot for a day of outdoor fun, but getting your food safely to your destination requires some forethought."Have separate coolers for drinks and food," recommends Marler. "If you're planning on barbecuing, keep the raw meat sealed tightly, packed on ice and stored separately from everything else."Hygiene helps: Outdoor dining isn't known for having many opportunities to practice safe food handling, but bringing soap, antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer is essential."Wash all surfaces before preparing your meal - picnic tables and communal dining areas especially - and of course, make sure your hands are clean before and after handling food."Temperature tips: "If you're bringing meat to grill, make sure you have a meat thermometer with you," Marler advises. "A few degrees can make all the difference between a delicious meal and a devastating illness."Meat thermometers are Marler's inexpensive and portable key to eating meat in the great outdoors.Bill Marler is an attorney and national expert in food safety, and is the most prominent foodborne illness lawyer in America and a major force in food policy in the U.S. and around the world.