Ah, the smell of burgers and hotdogs sizzling on the grill – nothing says summer quite like a backyard barbecue. But while grilling outdoors can be a lot of fun, it’s important to remember that safe food handling practices are crucial to avoid foodborne illnesses. In this blog post, we’ll go over some important tips for safe food handling practices when grilling outdoors.
1: Keep Your Grill Clean
One of the most important things you can do to ensure safe food handling practices when grilling outdoors is to keep your grill clean. A dirty grill can harbor harmful bacteria that can make you sick. Before each use, clean your grill with a wire brush to remove any debris or charred bits from the grates.
2: Separate Raw and Cooked Foods
It’s essential to keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods, and don’t place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat.
3: Thaw Meat Properly
Never thaw meat at room temperature as it can lead to bacterial growth. Instead, thaw meat in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. If you’re short on time, you can also place the meat in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure that it stays cold.
4: Use a Food Thermometer
Using a food thermometer is the only way to know for sure if your meat is fully cooked and safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, and make sure it reaches the recommended internal temperature. For example, ground beef should be cooked to 160°F, while chicken should be cooked to 165°F.
5: Keep Hot Foods Hot and Cold Foods Cold
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to prevent bacterial growth. Use a food thermometer to ensure that hot foods are kept at 140°F or above, and keep cold foods in a cooler with ice packs.
6: Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food, and especially after handling raw meat. If you’re grilling outdoors, bring a jug of water and some soap so that you can wash your hands even if there’s no sink nearby.
7: Don’t Leave Food Out for Too Long
Don’t leave food out for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F. If you’re not sure how long the food has been sitting out, it’s better to be safe than sorry and throw it away.
8: Conclusion
Grilling outdoors is a fun way to enjoy the summer weather and spend time with friends and family. However, it’s important to remember that safe food handling practices are essential to avoid foodborne illnesses. By following the tips we’ve outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your outdoor barbecue is safe and enjoyable for everyone. Remember to always practice safe food handling practices when grilling outdoors and stay healthy! And if you need any assistance, Myma is always here to help.
Myma… Ghar jaisa nahi, Ghar ka khana!
