By Sara Kremitzki, Powers Health Clinical Dietitian
The Fourth of July often is celebrated with a good, old-fashioned family cookout, but the event could turn dangerous if improper preparation creates a foodborne pathogen. Food safety is extremely important when it comes to having a happy and healthy holiday. With guidance from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, here are my top tips for keeping you and your friends and family safe:
- Use separate plates for cooked and uncooked foods. Putting cooked food back onto a plate previously holding uncooked food is dangerous. Make sure to wash the plate with hot soapy water between uses, or use a different plate.
- Monitor food temperatures to stay out of the “danger zone” – 90-140 degrees – the range that bacteria can multiply rapidly. Keep hot foods above 140 degrees and cold foods below 40 degrees. Heat leftovers to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Do not leave perishable food unrefrigerated for longer than two hours. If temperatures outside reach 90 degrees or above, this decreases the food’s safe time for consumption to only one hour out of the fridge. Set a timer to remember to put the food away in the fridge. If food is left out past this timeframe, it should be thrown out.
- Food should be marinated in a food-safe container. Metal containers are not considered safe; acids in marinades (such as vinegar, lemon/lime juice, etc.) can interact with the metal. Reusable glass containers are a great choice for an eco-friendly, food-safe option. Also, do not use marinade previously used on raw meat on cooked meat. Instead, set aside some marinade to use as a topping after cooking.
- Take the time to make sure your cooler stays cold and safe. I recommend placing a fridge thermometer inside of the cooler while safely transporting food to the location you plan to celebrate to ensure the temperature does not raise into the “danger zone.” Covering the cooler with a blanket or wet towel also can help keep it cold longer. Pack raw meat and fish at the bottom of the cooler to keep them from dripping onto ready-to-eat foods.
Happy grilling!