Health library
Back to health libraryReviewed 9/4/2024
Cookout Safety
Don't let food poisoning cramp your summer fun.
Chicken
Marinade: Set aside sauce for serving before marinating raw chicken.
Meat: Cook to internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Serving Platter: Keep away from raw meat.
Hamburger
Meat: Cook to an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
Cheese and mayo: Store in the refrigerator or an ice-filled cooler.
Bun: Wash your hands before taking buns from the package.
Lettuce: Wash greens—or use those marked "ready to eat."
Serving platter: Keep away from raw meat.
Potato Salad
Bowl: Cover tightly to insects away
Potato chunks: Cool in the refrigerator after cooking.
Prepared salad: Keep in a cooler or in the fridge until mealtime.
Fruit salad
Creamy sauce: Store in the refrigerator or an ice-filled cooler.
Melon: Wash before cutting.
Bowl: Cover tightly to keep insects away.
Iced Tea
Tea: Brew with water that's 175 degrees or hotter.
Lemon Slices: Wash before cutting.
Pitcher: Keep it insulated, or store in ice.
Ice: Keep ice for drinks in a separate cooler from meat.
Sources
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Washing Leafy Greens."
https://www.eatright.org/food/home-food-safety/wash-and-separate-foods/washing-leafy-greens. - Food Safety News. "Play it Safe with Hamburgers."
https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/09/play-it-safe-with-hamburgers/. - U.S. Department of Agriculture. "Food Safety Belongs on the Grill."
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2022/05/24/food-safety-belongs-grill. - U.S. Department of Agriculture. "Food Safety Information."
https://www.sccmo.org/DocumentCenter/View/1655/Barbecuing-and-Food-Safety-PDF-?bidId=. - U.S. Department of Agriculture. "Have a Food-Safe Holiday Season."
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/11/08/have-food-safe-holiday-season. - U.S. Department of Agriculture. "Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart."
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/safe-temperature-chart. - U.S. Department of Agriculture. "Seasons Change, But Food Safety Shouldn't."
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2021/09/02/seasons-change-food-safety-steps-shouldnt. - Washington State University. "Food Tips & Info."
https://extension.wsu.edu/whatcom/food-tips-info/.