Barbequing isn’t just for summer parties anymore, which makes food safety all the much more important. Many people get together every chance they can get to have a good time and some good eats. Unfortunately, along with good eats can come serious risk of food borne illness if the food isn’t prepared and cared for properly. Using these simple tips, you can make sure that everyone has a good time and gets filled up at your next barbecue without having to worry about anyone getting sick.
Separate the Meats from the Other Foods
In order to make sure you don’t cross contaminate any food that will be eaten, it is important to keep fresh meat separate from other foods right from the time you purchase them. At the store, make sure the meats are packaged in their own bags and kept away from fruits vegetable and other edible food that doesn’t need to be cooked.
Make Sure to Thaw the Meat
Before throwing meat on the grill, make sure it is properly thawed to ensure even cooking. This helps with food safety, as it gets the food hot enough so it kills any bacteria that could be looking in it. The refrigerator is the best method for defrosting meat but cold water can be used to thaw packaged foods and the microwave can be used if the meat will be cooked as soon as it’s been defrosted. Otherwise, microwaving the food could provide the perfect temperature for bacteria to grow in your defrosted food.
Use a Heat Source for Meats
If all the meat at your barbeque won’t be eaten as it is cooked, it’s important to keep it hot while it’s being offered to guests. Simply covering the food with foil will not keep it hot enough to stop bacteria from growing on it, so instead keep it around the edge of a hot barbeque so it won’t overcook, or put it in an oven that is set to about 200 degrees.
Keep Cold Dishes Cold
Potato and pasta salads should be kept cold at all times to avoid bacteria from growing within it. In fact, anything that usually requires refrigeration to keep it edible should not be left out on a picnic table for more than a few minutes at a time. Consider using a cooler to keep side dishes in.
Don’t Use Dirty Plates and Utensils
An important part of food safety is the way it is served to guests. Always use clean serving platters for meat and other foods, instead of using plates the food was on before it was cooked. An alternative is to use disposable plates and utensils so everything stays clean throughout the serving and eating process. This kind of tableware can easily be thrown away once it’s been used, which will ensure a safe experience for everyone.
