Health Tip: Practice Safe Grilling

(HealthDay News) — Harmful bacteria multiply faster during warmer weather, making food-borne illness even more of a threat during the summer grilling season.

The foodsafety.gov website suggests these techniques to reduce the risk of food-related illness:

  • Always wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap before cooking.
  • Allow meat to marinate in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
  • Don’t baste food with marinade that was used on raw meat; reserve some just for basting.
  • Use a food thermometer to make sure food is cooked thoroughly.
  • Store any raw meat, seafood and fish separate from other food and utensils.
  • Store chilled foods in the refrigerator and keep hot foods heated until serving time.