The 4th of July is the first big holiday of the summer season and often involves barbecues and family gatherings.
Pinal County health officials are warning people to ensure safe food prepapration during the weekend.
The key to stopping food-borne illness is basic, said Ralph Bustamante, food program manager for Pinal County.
“Keep hot food hot and cold food cold,” he said.
Keep these tips in mind when preparing, storing and cooking food for picnics and barbecues:
- Wash hands before preparing food at all times with warm soapy water
- Clean and sanitize cutting boards and countertops with a very mild bleach cleaner
- Keep raw foods separate from those ready to eat. Use seperate cutting boards or clean them when preparing steaks and seafood. Never put cooked burgers from the grill on the same plate as raw burger patties, for instance.
- Health officials recommend that foods be cooked to at least medium and medium rare. Burgers are recommended to be cooked to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit on the inside. Poultry is recommended at 165 degrees. Fish is recommended at 145 degrees. Check the internal temperatures with a metal-stemmed thermometer
- Refrigerate uneaten foods promptly
For more information about food safety go to http://pinalcountyaz.gov/departments/environmentalhealth/
