Safety Tips for Grilling Season
Apr 27, 2020
Get the steaks, shish kabobs, chicken wings, and burgers out because it is grilling time! While grilling can be all kinds of fun, it is not all fun and games and should be taken seriously. Safety has to be the top priority when grilling. There are two types of safety to keep in mind: food safety and fire safety.
Food Safety
Food safety can be the difference between having a great night with friends and a rough night in the bathroom or worse. Following food safety guidelines is imperative. It starts in the grocery store. Pick up the meat, poultry, and seafood last and keep them in separate bags even when you transfer the meat into your fridge. During storage and preparation, don’t cross contaminate raw meat with vegetables. Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and prep areas for raw versus cooked and veggies versus meat.
We know that you probably don’t need another reminder to properly wash your hands, but it is the ever-important first step in meal prep.
Proper temperature is also a key factor in food safety. Keep all meats, poultry, and seafood below 40°F in the refrigerator or in an insulated cooler until ready to cook. Also make sure you cook all meat to the proper temperature: 145°F for whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb, veal, and all fish, 160°F for hamburgers and other ground beef, and 165°F for all poultry and pre-cooked meats like hot dogs.
Fire Safety
Equally important is fire safety. It is so easy for a gas or charcoal fire to get out of hand. Keep these important elements in mind when grilling this summer.
Do:
Don't:
We hope you enjoy a beautiful spring and summer this year with family and friends. Stay safe and stay healthy.
Food Safety
Food safety can be the difference between having a great night with friends and a rough night in the bathroom or worse. Following food safety guidelines is imperative. It starts in the grocery store. Pick up the meat, poultry, and seafood last and keep them in separate bags even when you transfer the meat into your fridge. During storage and preparation, don’t cross contaminate raw meat with vegetables. Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and prep areas for raw versus cooked and veggies versus meat.
We know that you probably don’t need another reminder to properly wash your hands, but it is the ever-important first step in meal prep.
Proper temperature is also a key factor in food safety. Keep all meats, poultry, and seafood below 40°F in the refrigerator or in an insulated cooler until ready to cook. Also make sure you cook all meat to the proper temperature: 145°F for whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb, veal, and all fish, 160°F for hamburgers and other ground beef, and 165°F for all poultry and pre-cooked meats like hot dogs.
Fire Safety
Equally important is fire safety. It is so easy for a gas or charcoal fire to get out of hand. Keep these important elements in mind when grilling this summer.
Do:
- Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house.
- Clean your grill regularly.
- Check for gas leaks.
- Display decorations away from your grill.
- Keep a spray bottle of water and fire extinguisher close.
Don't:
- Turn on the gas while your grill lid is closed.
- Leave a grill unattended.
- Overload your grill with food.
- Use a grill indoors.
We hope you enjoy a beautiful spring and summer this year with family and friends. Stay safe and stay healthy.