Frankly, I'm amazed that this doesn't happen more often at these types of events and especially at pot luck's at work.
BD
I've been a "Church Chef" for quite a few years and I, along with some designated others, work hard to keep the "amateurs" away from the cooking (but helping with everything else). The best protection against food problems is good planning -- having all the steps (purchasing, storing, prepping, cooking, serving, packaging) spelled out to avoid lengthy set-asides or zone times. I love to cook or help cook big church meals but there have to be some people in charge who know the ropes.
Hub