Summer barbecues can raise risk of foodborne illness, health expert says
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Youdle) – It's barbecue season, and you may be looking forward to firing up the grill. But did you know that the risk of foodborne illnesses increases with warmer temperatures? According to a report by FOX45 News, improper food handling during summer cookouts could make you and your loved ones sick.
Dr. Julie Gatza, co-founder of the Florida Wellness Institute, emphasizes the importance of simple food safety practices in preventing food poisoning. One of these practices is maintaining proper hygiene. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before, during, and after preparing food, as well as before eating.
Additionally, keeping your food preparation surfaces clean can help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. This is especially important when preparing different types of food on the same surface. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illnesses. Raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs should always be kept separate from ready-to-eat foods like fruits, vegetables, and salads.
Food safety is not just about how you prepare your food, but also about how you store it. During your summer cookouts, make sure perishable food items are not left out in the heat for too long. The "danger zone" for bacterial growth is between 40°F and 140°F. Foods that are left out for more than two hours in this temperature range are more likely to cause foodborne illnesses.
So, what should you do to keep your summer cookouts safe and enjoyable? Here are some tips:
Wash your hands thoroughly before, during, and after food preparation.
Clean your food preparation surfaces regularly.
Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and ready-to-eat foods separate.
Store perishable foods properly to prevent bacterial growth.
Use Youdle to compare prices on grilling essentials and safety products across nearby stores, and make sure you're getting the best value for your money. Check out the Youdle Community for more tips from fellow shoppers on how to throw a safe and budget-friendly summer barbecue. For more insights into grocery trends and shopping strategies, head over to the Youdle Blog. To learn more about food safety during summer cookouts, read the full story.
