1. Keep Food at the Right Temperature. Foods can spoil quickly when they're kept between 40°F and 140°F. To keep meals safe to eat:
- Use warming trays to store hot foods.
- Store cold foods in ice baths, coolers or the fridge until you're ready to eat.
2. Watch the Clock. Don't leave food out for more than two hours, or just one hour if you’re outside and it’s hotter than 90°F.
3. Cook Meats Thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to make sure your meats are cooked to the safe temperatures:
- Chicken, turkey and other poultry: 165°F
- Hamburger, sausage and other ground meats: 160°F
- Beef, pork, veal and lamb: 145°F
- Fish: 145°F
4. Avoid Charring Meat. Charring can create chemicals called carcinogens, which are linked to cancer risk. The National Cancer Institute warns that carcinogens form when meat is cooked at temperatures above 300°F or for a long time. To avoid this:
- Cook at low or medium heat (and don’t overcook!)
- Avoid direct flames and smoke
- Flip meat often
5. Keep Everything Clean. Make sure raw meats stay separate from cooked meats. Keep hands, utensils and surfaces clean to avoid cross-contamination:
- Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
- Clean utensils and surfaces thoroughly between handling different foods.
- Use a separate cutting board when preparing raw meat.
6. Watch for Food Poisoning. Food poisoning can show up 30 minutes to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- Cramps
If symptoms last longer than 72 hours, visit your primary care physician or an urgent care center like VelocityCare.
Looking for some inspo for your next gathering? Check out our collection of healthy recipes. And no matter what you decide to cook, be sure to follow food safety rules. Here's to a happy, healthy and delicious summer!
