I am jealous. We have no option for outdoor cooking. We used to barbecue on our fire escape until the fire department caught us and pointed out that blocking a fire escape in New York City is a criminal offense. Needless to say, grilling ceased very quickly. If we want to grill we have to go to our friend’s house.
However, I imagine someone reading this blog has to cook outside so let me offer you lucky folks a few food safety tips for safe grilling. You’d think the danger in grilling would be getting burned somehow and I’m sure that can happen. But the biggest danger, the one that renders many to the hospital every year is food poisoning. If you follow these tips however, you’ll never have to worry!
Tip #1. Keep your meat contained!
Always wrap raw meat packages in an additional plastic bag. The reason is because when the juices leak on something else, harmful bacteria that is generally present in raw meat cross contaminates other food. Cooking, of course, kills all the bacteria that is present.
Tip #2. Keep your meat cold!
Buy your meat last and the go directly to the check out. Plan on going straight home from the grocery store. During the summer months, you may want to consider buying an insulated grocery bag or storing your meat in a cooler on the way home.
Tip #3. Defrost Safely
The preferred methods for defrosting are: a) defrosting completely in the refrigerator b) defrosting the sealed package in cold water or c) defrosting completely in the microwave if the meat is going directly to the grill.
Tip #4. Marinating
You should always marinate meat in the refrigerator. If part of the marinade is to be used as sauce. . .make sure you reserve a portion that hasn’t touched the raw meat. If the marinade is to be reused, make sure it comes to a boil first. Heating thoroughly, is the only way to kill bacteria.
Tip #5. Use Plenty of Utensils and Platters
Cooked meat should never go on the same tray that was used for the raw meat.
Enjoy your grill this summer but make sure that everything is cooked thoroughly so that you or your family won’t be making any unexpected trips to the emergency room!
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