Five Food Safety Tips for the Grill
Sunny days and warmer temperatures can only mean one thing: It’s grilling season again! Grilling can be a great way to mix up the everyday dinner routine and a fun activity for the family. Be sure to keep these food safety tips from the FDA in mind before grilling this spring and summer.
• Keep hands clean – When you’re cooking and prepping outdoors it can be an easy step to forget, but always remember to thoroughly wash your hands before handling and cooking your food.
• Separate foods – Raw and cooked foods should be kept separate in order to prevent foodborne illnesses from spreading. Be sure to also use separate plates and store these foods separately.
• Marinate in the refrigerator – Even though the cooking is being done outdoors, raw foods that are marinating should always be kept in the refrigerator.
• Check internal food temperature – Remember to keep a food thermometer on hand while grilling. Hamburgers should reach an internal temperature of 160° F and chicken should be cooked to 165° F.
• Refrigerate food within two hours – Store food in a cooler, refrigerator or freezer promptly so that you can enjoy some delicious leftovers.
Most importantly, have fun and enjoy your meal! Check back on the blog for more food safety tips and some recipes you can try out on your grill this summer.
