Healthy Bites for July:
Barbecue and Food safety

Summer not only brings out barbecue grills, but also bacteria. Bacteria love the hot, humid days of summer, grow faster than at any other time of the year, and can cause foodborne illness. Summer barbecues are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and each other’s company. Keep your barbecues with family and friends healthy and safe this summer with the following tips.

Download a printable copy of this month's Health Bites Newsletter (PDF, 195kb)

More resources:

• The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline number is 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854).
• Grill It Safely. To enjoy your summer, here are some checkpoints for safe grilling the next time you fire up the grill.
• UNL Food Safety. Safe food preparation and handling tips.
• Are You a Nutritious Grill Master? Neb Guide, G2048. Grilling is a healthy, low-fat way to cook. Tips for safely operating a grill safely and handling food are provided.
• Barbecue and Food Safety. It's important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying and causing foodborne illness. Use these simple guidelines for grilling food safely.
• Bite When the Temperature is Right. Using a food thermometer is the only way to ensure that food is fully cooked and safe to eat. Learn how to select, use and care for food thermometers.
• Grilling Food Safety 101. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
• Barbecue Basics: Keeping Bacteria at Bay. FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, and USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline.
• USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. (2011). Is It Done Yet? Food Safety Education.

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