Published: July 03, 2009 09:45 am      

Cooking outdoors tomorrow? How not to get burned

Fireworks aren’t the only thing that can bring Independence Day festivities to a tragic end. Take care when grilling those burgers as well. Here are some tips from the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:



-- Clean and sanitize cooking equipment.



-- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and hot water before and after food preparations.



-- Keep raw foods away from cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination, and make sure that raw meat juices never come in contact with salads and vegetables. Moreover, use a different plate or platter to carry the meat off the grill -- not the one that was used to transport the raw meat.



-- While cooking, use a meat thermometer to make sure that the meat is sufficiently cooked. Beef, lamb and pork should register an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F while poultry should be cooked to 165 degrees F. It is particularly critical that food reaches those temperatures when cooking ground meat products.



-- Keep cold foods cold (below 40 degrees F) and hot foods hot (above 140 degrees F). It is best to put out smaller servings and replenish the food from cold or hot sources more often.



-- Food should not be left out for more than two hours.



The safe use of grills is also important:



-- Always read and follow the grill manufacturer's instructions and keep written materials and manuals in a safe, accessible place.



-- When not in use, make sure all grill burner controls are turned off and that the cylinder valve is closed.



-- Make sure the grill is shut off and cool to the touch before covering it after use.



-- Always use or store cylinders outdoors in an upright, vertical position.



-- When you fill or exchange your cylinder, have your supplier check for dents, damage, rust or leaks.



-- Before using your propane gas grill, check all connections for tightness using a leak-detection solution.



-- If you experience difficulties in the operation of your gas grill, contact your local propane provider for service.



-- Do not smoke while handling the propane cylinder.



-- Do not allow children to tamper or play with the cylinder or grill.



-- Do not use, store or transport your cylinder where it would be exposed to high temperatures. (This includes storing spare cylinders under or near the grill.)



-- Never store your cylinder indoors, especially in a garage where temperatures can be high and ignition sources may be present.



-- Never leave your grill unattended when in use.



For more information about food safety, log onto the department's Division of Food Safety Web site at www.doacs.state.fl.us/fs/.