Now that summer is here, do not be surprised to see people taking advantage of the warmer weather and grilling. Barbecues are a great way to socialize and enjoy some great food, but they can also be a not-so-fun way of contracting food poisoning.
These general food handling tips can help keep that risk to a minimum at barbecues and even inside your home:
Wash your hands constantly. Raw meat, poultry and seafood can be rife with foodborne germs. Clean your hands with soap before and after handling these items; you should also wash work surfaces and utensils.
Avoid cross-contamination. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for produce and raw food.
Invest in a food thermometer. An instant-read thermometer is an ideal way of seeing whether food has been cooked long enough. Relying on sight alone can be hit or miss.