Before You Fire Up the Grill: 5 Summer Food Safety Tips
After months of gray skies and rainy days, you’re probably ready to get outside and fire up the grill. But before you start cooking, take a minute to brush up on food safety. Warmer temperatures can help bacteria grow faster, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Follow these simple tips to keep your summer cookouts safe, delicious and worry-free.
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- Check the forecast. Hot temperatures can cause food to spoil quickly. If it’s above 90 degrees outside, don’t leave perishable foods sitting out for more than one hour. If it’s below 90 degrees, the limit is two hours.
- Keep it clean. If your picnic or barbecue spot doesn’t have running water, bring a jug of clean water for handwashing and cleanup. Wash your hands before preparing food and after handling raw meat. Be sure to clean utensils, cutting boards and countertops with hot, soapy water to help prevent cross-contamination.
- Pack smart. Keep food and drinks separate in coolers. The drinks cooler will likely be opened repeatedly as drinks are pulled out. Keep your food as cold as possible until you’re ready to cook by keeping that cooler closed. Pack two platters — one for raw meat and one for cooked meat.
- Keep your cool. Use an insulated cooler packed with ice or frozen gel packs to keep perishable items at 40 degrees or colder. Store the cooler in a shaded area whenever possible and avoid opening it more than necessary.
- Use a thermometer. Don’t rely on color alone to tell if meat is fully cooked. The safest way to ensure your food has reached the proper temperature is to use a food thermometer. Checking the internal temperature helps ensure your meal is safe to eat.
If you do find yourself feeling nauseous after a summer cookout or meal, it can be hard to tell whether you’re dealing with food poisoning or a stomach bug. Learn the differences between the two, common symptoms to watch for and when it may be time to seek treatment. Is It a Stomach Bug or Food Poisoning?
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Kelli Forde is a senior communications specialist with over a decade of experience in health care marketing and communications. She works with Overlake staff, providers and patients to share meaningful stories, expert advice and valuable tips for leading a healthy lifestyle.
