Tips for Keeping Food Safe While Grilling this Summer

Grilling out is a favorite summertime activity for many families.

Being able to get outside and enjoy time together, as well as indulge in delicious seasonal foods, is a great way to make memories with friends and family. As a family caregiver, it is extremely important to recognize the potential dangers associated with grilling out during the summertime months, which includes foodborne illnesses. Particularly for an elderly adult, these illnesses and infections can become very serious. Following basic steps can reduce this risk and help to prevent serious illnesses while still letting you enjoy your cookouts all summer.

 

Home Care Services in Wyoming OH: Keeping Food Safe

Home Care Services in Wyoming OH: Keeping Food Safe

 

Use these tips to keep food safe while grilling this summer:

-Make sure everyone washes their hands thoroughly before coming into any contact with food. If you are preparing food, wash your hands regularly throughout the preparation process, and keep moist towelettes near you at all times so you can continue to clean off your hands.

-Never place cooked food on the same surface that contained raw food. This is particularly important for poultry, beef, pork, and seafood.

-Do not use the same utensils to move cooked food that you did to move raw food.

-Always marinate food in the refrigerator rather than on the counter.

-Remember that the time food can stay out of refrigeration safely varies depending on the temperature outside. One hour is a general rule of thumb, and this is cumulative. This means if you keep the mayonnaise you’re going to use in a pasta salad out on the counter for 15 minutes while preparing the salad, the salad is only safe for another 45 minutes.

-Review the temperatures that meat should be cooked to in order to be considered safe. Different types of meat require different temperatures, and it is very important that the foods are cooked to these temperatures to kill pathogens.

-Make sure that hot food is kept hot by wrapping it and keeping it in an insulated container.

-Make sure cold food is kept cold by keeping it in a cooler that is kept closed.

-If the temperature is below 90 degrees, food can be safely consumed within 2 hours of leaving refrigeration, and it is important to refrigerate or discard of food when this time is up to prevent the growth of pathogens.

 

Including a home care provider in summertime activities and celebrations can be an exceptional way to help your aging parent enjoy these events in the best ways possible.

Personalized services of an in-home senior care services provider are designed to meet your parents’ needs, address their limitations and challenges, and encourage them to participate in the activity as much as is safe and healthy for them. Not only does this help your parent to enjoy quality time with friends and family, but it also gives you the opportunity at to enjoy the event yourself, and manage other needs such as taking care of your children, while knowing your parent has continued access to the support and care they need.

When it comes to enjoying a cookout, this care provider can ensure your parent remains safe around the grill, can enjoy healthy foods that are right for them, and can also bring them elsewhere for rest and care for them if they become tired or overwhelmed.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Services in Wyoming, OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.

https://www.fda.gov/

Mark & Michele Vollmer, Co-Owners, Managing Partners
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