Food

How many times have you heard about work colleagues who have phoned in sick because of food poisoning and followed it up with some comment like “I had a BBQ at the weekend, and I must have eaten something not properly cooked”?

To be honest I think some of them probably just drank too much beer but clearly there’s enough of a belief out there that food hygiene is a problem at a barbeque for either a genuine day off work or a cast iron excuse.

In many of the barbecue articles that I’ve written I’ve concentrated on the phrase “sizzle is hot, flames are not” which focuses on the need to be patient and control the barbecue flames. If however you still haven’t mastered this point then maybe it’s time to resign yourself to buying a barbecue thermometer?

Why do I need a BBQ thermometer? Take this BBQ hamburger example:

Many people assume that when a hamburger is brown in the middle, it is well done but according to USDA research, 1 out of every 4 hamburgers turns brown before it reaches a safe internal temperature. The internal temperature must be 160°F before its safe to eat.

1. The food thermometer should be placed in the thickest part of the food and should not be touching bone, fat, or gristle.
2. Make sure to clean your food thermometer with hot, soapy water before and after each use!

The other way is to use a large-dial oven-safe or oven-probe thermometer and these can be inserted in the meat and used for the duration of cooking.

There are many different types of food thermometers, so it is important to follow the instructions for your food thermometer to ensure the correct reading. When happy with the method of use you can refer to the USDA Recommended Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures to ensure a safe barbeque cookout.
· Steaks & Roasts – 145 °F
· Fish – 145 °F
· Pork – 160 °F
· Ground Beef – 160 °F
· Egg Dishes – 160 °F
· Chicken Breasts – 165 °F
· Whole Poultry – 165 °F
That’s the main one, but to finish off here are a few more free bbq tips to help you avoid food poisoning at your next cookout:-

1. Wash hands and surfaces often
Use warm, soapy water for 20 seconds before and after handling food and wash you’re cutting boards after each food item is prepared

2. Don’t cross-contaminate, always keep raw and cooked food separate. Never place cooked food on a plate which previously held raw meat, poultry, or seafood.

3. Refrigerate promptly – but do not cover (e.g. with stretch wrap) if the food is still hot
Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared foods, and leftovers within 2 hours or sooner.

Be Food Safe! Prepare With Care
Know how to prepare, handle, and store food safely to keep you and your family safe. Bacteria can grow on meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy products, as well as cut-up or cooked vegetables and fruits.