How to Grill Safely This Summer

Summer and grilling go hand in hand, creating the perfect combination for delicious outdoor meals. Whether you're grilling burgers, chicken, seafood, or vegetables, the unique flavor from the grill is unbeatable. To ensure your cookouts are both mouth-watering and safe, let’s review some simple food safety tips.

Prep Your Food Safely

Clean

Before you even light the grill, start with clean hands. Washing your hands before and after handling raw meat, poultry, and seafood is essential to prevent spreading harmful bacteria. Here’s a quick guide:

• Fruits and vegetables: Always wash them before prepping. Rinse under clean, running water and gently rub to remove any dirt. For firm produce like melons and zucchini, use a vegetable brush. Dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria.
• Meat, poultry, and seafood: Skip washing these items. Washing can spread bacteria to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. If you need to rinse them because of a marinade or brine, be sure to clean and sanitize all surfaces, including the sink, afterward.

Separate

Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood away from foods that are ready to eat, like salads, dips, and fruits or vegetables you plan to grill. Once you place raw items on the grill, get a clean plate ready for the cooked items. Be careful with your utensils too—those tongs that touch raw meat can spread bacteria to cooked food. Always use separate utensils for raw and cooked foods or wash them thoroughly between uses.

Grilling Meat, Chicken, and Fish

Grilling on high heat gives food those tasty grill marks, but don’t let looks deceive you. Use a food thermometer to ensure your meat, poultry, and fish are cooked to a safe temperature. Aim for these temperatures:

• Beef, pork, lamb, and veal (steaks, roasts, and chops): 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest time.
• Ground meats (including burgers and hot dogs): 160°F (71°C).
• Whole poultry, poultry breasts, and ground poultry: 165°F (74°C).
• Fish: 145°F (63°C).

Grilling Fruits and Vegetables

Grilled fruits and vegetables are a delight. Here are a few tips to keep them safe and tasty:

• Marinate with care: Marinating adds flavor and moisture, but never reuse marinade that touches raw meat, poultry, or seafood.
• Know your cooking times: Thicker and denser vegetables like potatoes take longer to cook. High heat can cook the outside faster than the inside, so cut them into smaller pieces and use medium to low heat. Turn thinner slices frequently to avoid burning.

By following these tips, you'll be set for a summer filled with delicious and safely prepared grilled food. Happy grilling!

Check out NorCal Fire & Grill for a wide selection of Outdoor grills.

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