Hosting a BBQ is a great way to gather with friends and family to enjoy the summertime. Whether you are hosting 10 or 100 people, it is very important to keep food and grilling safety in mind. It’s easy to forget the importance of cooking food thoroughly, practicing fire safety and storing food in the refrigerator or in a cool space before and after eating.
Becky Devore, a Nurse Educator for the Alabama Poison Information Center, shares several tips for summer food safety. “We don’t want to invite food poisoning to the BBQ!” shared Devore. “Most food poisonings are going to be preventable.”
The most important food safety technique you can practice is washing your hands before, during and after preparing meals. It’s important to clean cutting boards, countertops and utensils while preparing food as well, preventing the spread of juices from uncooked meat onto foods like tomatoes. Remember to separate raw meat from cooked meat in the refrigerator before preparing.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not advised to wash meat before cooking. “We do not recommend washing chicken or poultry. That can spread the bacteria throughout your kitchen,” said Devore. Do not thaw meat on the counter or outdoors in the sun, but rather in the refrigerator. And always make sure your food is cooked thoroughly before serving.
Additionally, fire safety is extremely important when you are grilling and hosting big groups with young children. Keep kids and pets away from the grill and keep a fire extinguisher and water source nearby while grilling. Stay away from brushes with steel or metal bristles, and choose a nylon brush instead.
Food should be stored in coolers or ice chests to transport to and from BBQs or gatherings, ensuring it does not begin to spoil before it can be eaten. If your BBQ is outside, always keep food in the shade and do not leave it out for over two hours. If it is 90 degrees or above, food should be thrown out after one hour. “When in doubt, throw it out,” Devore said.
If you have questions, call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. They are available for all ages, not just children.
