Barbecue Season is here! Five tips to keep your barbecue safe

We are truly spoiled with the weather.

And nothing says sunshine more than a good barbecue.

But there are so many moving parts when it comes to grilling, it can be easy to make a pretty big mistake.

Worry not because Safefood has shared the five most common mistakes and their top tips to make sure that you keep your barbecue safe.

Dirty Grill

Grease and food residue can harbour bacteria. Thoroughly clean your grill with a brush and hot, soapy water before you use it and once it’s cooled down afterwards.

Leaving Food in the Sun

Perishable foods like salads, dips, and raw meat should be kept refrigerated until serving. Cooked leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours.

Cooking Frozen Meat

Always fully defrost meat and poultry in the refrigerator overnight before grilling to ensure even cooking.

Cross-Contamination

Use separate utensils, plates, and cutting boards for raw and cooked meat. Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling raw food.

Undercooking Meat

Don’t rely on appearance alone. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken, burgers, sausages and kebabs reach an internal temperature of 75°C. Alternatively, ensure meat is piping hot throughout, with no pink meat remaining and juices running clear.

“Hosting a barbecue should be a relaxed and enjoyable experience. By following these food safety tips, you can protect your guests and ensure your barbecue is a success,” says Trish Twohig, Director of Food Safety at Safefood.

Additional Tips:

Check your refrigerator before shopping and discard any expired items past their Use By date
Pre-cooking meat in the oven can save time. Ensure its fully cooked before grilling for flavour.