Going to BBQs/Cookouts is one of my favorite things between Late Spring and Early Fall. It’s fun to get everyone together and enjoy some great food, drinks, and company. Not many of us think about the dangers of these fun get-togethers. The dangers really come from the food that is served. So if you are headed out to a BBQ/Cookout this Labor Day Weekend keep these things in mind.
Grilling/Smoking Meats
I typically don’t use a thermometer when grilling burgers or hot dogs. You just kind of eyeball it. Experts say you really should use a digital thermometer to make sure the internal temp is hot enough to kill everything from Salmonella to E. Coli.
- Poultry: 165 degrees Fahrenheit
- Ground meat: 160 degrees
- Steak: 145 degrees
- Fish: 145 degrees
- Hot dogs: 140 degrees
Cold Foods
It will be HOT this weekend! Make sure you are keeping things that need to be cold, cold. Things like Cheese, Potato/Pasta Salads. They can grow bacteria which can get you and your guests sick. They should NOT be left out in the heat for 2 or more hours. If they are, stay clear!
