As the summer season approaches, the Central Michigan District Health Department is reminding residents to prioritize food safety during their cookouts and barbecues. According to Steve King, the environmental health director of CMDHD, foodborne illnesses can easily occur if proper precautions are not taken. To prevent these illnesses, it is essential to follow simple practices such as good hand hygiene and temperature monitoring.
To ensure that cookouts are safe, CMDHD recommends several tips. These include practicing good hand hygiene before meal preparation and keeping raw meats separated from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination. Investing in a food thermometer is also crucial to ensure that grilled foods reach the appropriate internal temperatures to avoid bacterial growth. Thawing frozen foods safely, keeping perishable foods chilled until serving time, and maintaining a clean grill are also important tips for safe cookouts.
By following these recommendations, residents can enjoy their outdoor gatherings while prioritizing food safety. For more information on food safety tips and resources, visit https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/keep-food-safe.html.[/
