Many Arizonans will mark the Memorial Day holiday by inviting friends and family to share a meal and enjoy the outdoors. One “guest” you don’t want to invite, however, is a foodborne illness. Before you warm up the grill or pack the picnic basket,
Clean all food contact surfaces and your hands with soap and warm water before preparing food and when switching between working with raw foods and cooked foods. If you’re enjoying fresh melons, be sure to scrub the skin before slicing them.
Cook foods to a safe temperature. Use a thermometer to measure the final cooking temperature by inserting it into the thickest part of the product. Look to reach 165°F for poultry, 160°F for ground meats, 155°F for steaks, and 145°F for seafood.
Separate plates, utensils, cutting boards, and other items used to prepare raw foods from those used to prepare cooked foods to prevent cross contamination.
Chill foods quickly if you won’t eat them right away. Never let food sit out at room temperature.
Take these tips with you on the go with our Safe Grilling fact sheet. We also offer a Safe Camping fact sheet to help you create a healthy campsite. More information and resources can be found on our Food Safety & Environmental Services Program website. Enjoy a safe, illness-free Memorial Day!
