One of the best ways to celebrate summer is to get outside and enjoy good food with friends and family. As nationwide COVID-19 cases decline, COVID-19 vaccination rates increase, and states relax their COVID-19 restrictions, picnics and barbecues will likely be a summertime staple this year.
However, if you aren’t careful about handling foods during these cookouts, you’re putting yourself and others at risk for potential food-related illnesses. Stay safe with these simple tips:
Wash cooking equipment, dishes and utensils between uses. Be sure to clean the grill’s surface after each use and to wash cutting boards that had raw meat on them.
Store all perishables in a cooler with ice on top, not just underneath. Use one cooler for drinks and another for food. Never eat anything that has been left out of a refrigerator or cooler for more than two hours.
Invest in a meat thermometer so you can make sure all meat is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
Warmer temperatures require extra attention to food safety when cooking and eating outdoors. Visit FoodSafey.gov to learn more about food safety practices.