Maine Summer BBQ Safety: Be Smart When You Grill
Summer is almost here, and you know what the means for us, Maine - it’s barbecue season! It’s time to dust off that Weber or George Forman, gather up some family and friends (and your appetite of course) and get cookin’.
Whether you’ll be hosting a big party on the Fourth of July or just a few guests over for a backyard BBQ, the safety of yourself and those cooking outside with you should always be your top priority.
By following these important steps, you will be sure to grill and chill safely:
Your Grill:
- Inspect the propane tank for dents, leaks, and rusting. Inspect hoses for leaks, holes, and cracks. If any of these are apparent, it’s time to replace the equipment
- Never bring your propane tank indoors or store spare tanks near your grill. If you must transport the tank, it is advised to do so on a cool day and to keep the tank upright in a sturdy position.
- Never dispose of a propane tank in the garbage. Instead, check to see if there are municipal programs for collection in your area.
- Do not smoke near a grill as a gas leak could ignite fire.
- Never use a propane grill indoors, on a balcony, terrace, or roof. Always keep the grill at least three feet away from bushes, trees, and your home.
- Cover grill when not in use.
Before You Cook:
- When at the store, make raw meat and poultry the last items you put in your shopping cart, just before checking out. Be sure to place items in separate plastic bags so the juices do not drip into each other, contaminating the meat
- If you are transporting food, be sure to do so cold. Use an insulated cooler with ice packs to ensure that the temperature remains under 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid opening the lid, which lets cold air out and warm air in
- At home, refrigerate meat immediately. For food not going to be cooked within one to two days, put in freezer for safe keeping. When defrosting frozen food, let it sit in the refrigerator or submerge the package in cold water until completely thawed. Do not take meat out of refrigerator until you are about to cook it.
While Cooking:
- To prevent foodborne illness, use different platters and utensils before and after cooking meat. Harmful bacteria can be found in the juices of meat that will have been cooked off on the grill. Be sure to cook meat thoroughly to destroy bacteria.
- After cooked, hot food should be kept warm and covered, never remaining outside for more than one hour. Any food left out for over two hours should be thrown away. If you reheat meat, be sure to warm it as if you were cooking it for the first time.
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In the sun or under the stars, grilling in Maine is a favorite pastime. So fire up your grill and take the necessary precautions, and then fire up your appetite and enjoy. Because nothing says summer in Maine like the smell of a cookout in the warm, fresh air.
The grilling enthusiasts at the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein wish you and yours a season full of safe and savory barbecues!
For more information on barbeque safety, please visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Factsheets/Barbecue_Food_Safety/
The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein - Maine Lawyers Working For Maine People.
