Celebrate National Grilling Month 2023 with Safe Grilling Practices
National Grilling Month in 2023 is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by firing up the grill and enjoying some delicious barbecue with family and friends? But as much fun as grilling can be, it's important to remember that it also comes with some risks. To make sure your cookout is both fun and safe, here are some tips for grilling meat safely.
WHEN IS NATIONAL GRILLING MONTH?
National Grilling Month is in July, making it the perfect time to throw a backyard barbecue. And don't forget, National Barbecue Day is July 13th!
WHAT'S THE HISTORY OF NATIONAL GRILLING MONTH?
July was named National Grilling Month in 1963, which means National Grilling Month 2023 is the 59th annual celebration. Grilling has been a popular cooking method for centuries, and backyard grilling became more popular after World War II.
HOW TO GRILL MEAT SAFELY?
When it comes to grilling meat safely, it's essential to follow food safety precautions used by professionals. Food poisoning is never a good guest at a cookout, so take a few simple steps to keep your food safe.
BEFORE GRILLING
First, make sure the meat you buy is safe to eat. Check the packaging and the meat itself for any signs of spoilage, tampering or damage. Buy from a reputable source to ensure that the meat has been properly refrigerated or frozen at all stages.
Make sure you have enough fridge or freezer space to store the meat until you're ready to grill it. Microbes on meat can double every 20 minutes at room temperature, so it's crucial to follow certain rules for thawing, cooking, and leaving meat out at room temperature.
If you're freezing the meat, allow enough time to thaw it in the fridge before cooking. Don't take the meat out until the grill is fully pre-heated. Putting meat on the grill at too low a temperature can cause unsafe microbial growth.
Never wash meat. It's unnecessary and could spread pathogens all over your sink and nearby surfaces. Marinate in the refrigerator and use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meat to ensure it is cooked to a safe temperature (at least 140°F, depending on the meat).
DURING YOUR COOKOUT
When handling and cooking raw meat, be careful to avoid cross-contaminating surfaces, utensils, and other food with dangerous pathogens. Wash your hands often. Wash your grill before and after each use, and keep the utensils and plates used for the raw meat and the cooked meat separate. Anything that touched raw meat should be thoroughly washed before it's used for anything else.
Cook in small enough batches that everything gets eaten promptly. If you have any cold food out, like salad or fruit, keep it on ice so it stays fresh and safe to eat. Cooked meat and ready dishes definitely shouldn't be left out of refrigeration for more than 2 hours.
HAPPY NATIONAL GRILLING MONTH 2023!
With these precautions and a little planning, you'll keep everyone safe and satisfied. So, let's get ready to celebrate National Grilling Month by grilling up some delicious and safe meat with our loved ones!
