Tips for safe and tasty Memorial Day cookouts
Firing up the grill for a Memorial Day cookout?
If so, Beth Czerwony, registered dietitian for Cleveland Clinic, has some safety tips to keep in mind when preparing all those cookout staples.
“When we’re talking about maintaining food safety, one of the most important things is making sure you keep the raw foods separate from the cooked foods,” said Czerwony.
Czerwony said it’s important to keep raw meats away from things like fruits and veggies to avoid transferring any harmful bacteria between foods.
You either want to have separate cutting boards and knives for the meat you’re preparing – or clean your utensils after using them for raw meat.
Remember to wash your hands when handling and preparing food as well.
While grilling, juices from the meat you’re cooking should not drip down onto other foods.
Czerwony said you also want to have a meat thermometer handy to check everything is cooked properly, and don’t let those burgers sit out too long before you eat them.
“If something like a burger is sitting out for too long, and it’s not completely cooked – you’re going to end up creating a really great arena for bacteria to grow,” Czerwony said.
In general, Czerwony adds cooked food should not sit outside for over one hour on a hot day and no more than two hours at room temperature.