5 Tips for Safe Grilling

Are you ready for the hot weather? Using sunscreen may help protect your skin in the sun and drinking plenty of water can keep you hydrated, but are you following the proper grilling and food safety protocols?

With all the barbecues and outdoor gatherings that you are engaging in these next few months, it is important to know how to keep your foods safe, especially since all this humidity can attract bacteria. The more humid it gets, the quicker bacteria can spread and bring about food borne illnesses. This means it is very important to follow food safety!

Are you unsure of all the food safety protocols for safe grilling? Don’t worry, I’m here to help!

5 Tips for Safe Grilling

Wash your hands– This is the one rule that can be applied at all times. It might be obvious, but since you will be constantly handling food on and off the grill, make sure you’re washing your hands before touching different foods. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds and keep paper towels around for when needed.

Keep raw and cooked foods separate– Be cautious when handling raw meats so that they don’t cross contaminate with cooked meats or other foods. Use different utensils, plates, cutting boards, etc. for each.

Marinate in the fridge– Raw marinated meats on the counter are susceptible to growing bacteria, therefore, you should stick to placing it in the fridge where it will stay cool. Let it sit on the bottom shelf to prevent any drippings from falling onto other foods.

Store food at proper temperature– Keep your cold foods cold by putting them in a cooler with ice or storing it in the fridge.Keep your hot foods hot by placing them to the side of the grill, using warming trays or sealing them in a well-insulated container. This allows your food to stay away from reaching between 41 – 140 degrees, which are temperatures at which bacteria can grow.

Check food temperatures – Using a food thermometer is your best bet to know that your foods are fully cooked. It’s best too keep one handy near your grill at all times.It is recommended to cook beef/pork/lamb/veal to 145 degrees, ground meats to 160 degrees and poultry/ground poultry to 165 degrees!

How to Use Your Food Thermometer

Keep your thermometer clean at all times – it is best to clean and wash with hot, soapy water.

Place the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. If you have thinner meats, slip it in through the side and make sure it reaches the center.

Keep the thermometer in place for 10 to 20 seconds to get an accurate reading.

Make sure you check these tips off your list next time you have a barbecue. It will helpensue you have a healthy, happy and safe experience when grilling!

Your turn for action: What safety measures will you take when barbecuing? Let me know in the comments below.