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Food Safety For Summer Fun

in The Too Busy to Diet Blog on June 27, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jacqueline King, MS, RDN, CDE, FADA
North Suburban Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Media Spokesperson

Four Ways to Grill Safely this Summer
Did You Know?
1 in 6 Americans deal with food poisoning each year, or 48 million people, according to the CDC. How can you keep your family safe this summer? Registered Dietitian, Jacqueline King Media Spokesperson for the North Suburban Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has four tips to keep everyone safe and healthy this summer.
1. Wash: Make sure to wash your hands, the grill, and any utensils and cutting boards you will be using for the meal. One item never to wash: raw meat you will be cooking! The splashing of the water off the raw meat in your sink, creates a refuge of potential bacteria. Also, wash your hands throughout the prep whenever you handle raw meat.

2. Separate: Keep cooked and ready-to-eat foods separate from raw meats and poultry. You do not want potential bacteria from uncooked meats mixing in with your salads and deli meat sandwiches! This also includes using a different plate and utensil to remove cooked foods off the grill – instead of the one you used when you put the raw meat on the grill.

3. Refrigerate: Keep foods at risk of spoiling below 40 degrees F, and do not let them sit out for longer than 2 hours. If the temperature is over 90 degrees F outside – get them back in storage after an hour or less. If using a cooler, use a thermometer to make sure temperatures are cold enough and transport food in the car, not the trunk!

4. Cook: Make sure that raw meats are cooked hot enough to kill the bacteria and other germs that could be lurking. Chicken, sausages or bratwurst, and hot dogs should be cooked to 165 degrees F; beef or pork burgers, to 160 degrees F; and fish, pork chops, or steaks, to 145 degrees F. Always use a food thermometer to make sure the safe temperature is reached!
Resources for more Info:
FoodSafety.gov: https://www.foodsafety.gov/
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Home Food Safety: http://www.eatright.org/resources/homefoodsafety
Grilling Recipes:
Grilled Fruit Kebobs
Foiled Fish on the Grill

Jacqueline King, MS, RDN, CDE, FADA