Tuesday, July 2, 2024 As the 4th of July approaches, many Michiganders are gearing up to celebrate with picnics and barbecues. However, mishandling food can quickly spoil the festivities for you and your loved ones. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 6 Americans suffer from foodborne illnesses annually.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) urges Michiganders to practice safe food handling while enjoying the sunny holiday weekend and beyond. Adhering to these simple guidelines will ensure that your outdoor meals remain enjoyable and safe: Maintain proper hand hygiene when preparing and handling food: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after cooking to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. It’s also essential to cleanse your hands before eating, using soap and water, hand sanitizer, or sanitizing wipes.
Prepare food correctly: Always follow cooking instructions on food labels to ensure safety and flavor. Meats such as chicken and steak should be cooked thoroughly to eliminate any bacteria. Use a food thermometer to verify proper cooking temperatures.
Monitor food temperatures carefully: Food can enter a ‘danger zone’ (between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C)) where bacteria multiply rapidly. Prevent this by maintaining proper food temperatures after cooking. Keep hot foods warm using heat sources like warming trays or slow cookers.
Use ice packs and insulated containers to keep cold foods chilled in .
