Health experts warn of unsafe Memorial Day practices that could make you ill

Grilling occasions were drawing near and becoming more frequent as Memorial Day approached and graduations were underway. However, with the nice outings, public health officials wanted to stress the importance of grilling safely.

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Greene County Public Health officials provided tips that everyone could follow to keep themselves safe from food poisoning while cooking outdoors.

“It is important to prepare and transport food safely to prevent foodborne illnesses, such as Salmonella, Norovirus, E. coli, etc.,” a spokesperson for the department said. “With a little bit of planning, summer parties and family gatherings can be fun and safe for all.”

Health experts provided these tips to keep yourself safe:

1. Cooking Temperatures: It is very important to thoroughly cook raw animal foods to the proper temperatures to kill bacteria and to prevent foodborne illnesses. Raw fish and whole muscle meats (steak, ribs, roasts) must be cooked to a minimum temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the Ohio Food Code, raw hamburger (ground meats) must be cooked to a minimum of 155 degrees, and raw chicken must be cooked to a minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Holding Temperatures: Bacteria begin to multiply between 41 degrees Fahrenheit and 135 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is important to keep hot foods HOT and cold foods COLD right up to the moment of cooking and/or serving. Cold food must be kept cold at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Only place small portions of food out at a time and replenish as needed. Hot foods must be maintained at 135 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacterial growth. Once any type of melons or tomatoes are sliced, these must be cooled down and held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit and never held at room temperature for more than 4 hours. Any food held out of temperature for more than 4 hours must be discarded to prevent a potential foodborne illness. It is important to use a clean and calibrated food thermometer to check the internal temperatures of the food you are cooking, holding, and serving.
3. Clean: According to the Partnership for Food Safety Education, 65% of consumers don’t wash hands before starting meal preparation. Don’t be a statistic this season. Keep hands clean by using soap and warm water, scrubbing them for a minimum of 20 seconds. Rinse well and dry with a disposable towel. Use soapy water and a clean paper towel for tables and counters. Be sure to rinse and scrub fruits and vegetables under running water prior to cutting, slicing or other preparation.

Officials also reminded outdoor cookers to use separate cutting boards to prevent cross-contamination of bacteria.

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