Are you ready for summer BBQ’s? So are the bacteria and other pathogens that thrive in warm weather!
Take extra precautions and follow these four tips: Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill. A little extra attention will help you enjoy safe food and reduce your risk of
foodborne illnesses.
- Clean: Wash you hands with soap and warm water before and after handling food for at least 20 seconds. Also, wash cutting boards and all utensils with hot soapy water after use and before you continue with your next food preparation.
- Separate: While shopping, separate your raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs from other foods in your cart. At home, use one cutting board for fresh fruits and vegetables and a separate one for raw meat, poultry and seafood.
- Cook: A food thermometer is a must for your kitchen! Use it to ensure safe internal food temperatures. Follow these guidelines:
1. Cook roasts and steaks to a minimum 145 degrees.
2. Cook hamburgers to at least 160 degrees.
3. Poultry should reach 165 degrees.
4. Fish should be cooked to 145 degrees or until flesh is opaque.
5. When reheating, bring sauces, soups and gravy to a boil. Cook other
leftovers to 165 degrees.
- Chill: When bringing food home from the store, place perishables in freezer or refrigerator immediately. To defrost food, place food in refrigerator, cold wateror in microwave. Cook food immediately, once it is thawed in cold water or inthe microwave. In addition, always marinate food in the refrigerator, not a room temperature.
This summer, stay healthy and keep your food safe!
For more tips on food safety please go to: http://www.fightbac.org/safe-food-handling
PVCC offers a wide variety of Nutrition and Health classes for your convenience and
interest: http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/hes