Food Hygiene Tips For a Safe Barbecue

Throwing a barbecue is a fun way to get together, and it often means that you’re making food for a large group of people. This is why it’s exceptionally important to keep things hygienic and safe. A few easy tips ensure there will be no issues with food cleanliness.

 Wash Hands

This is one of the most obvious, as well as most important tips! Handling raw meat and then touching other food could mean passing harmful contaminants, so it is absolutely crucial that whoever is taking care of the meat washes up before they touch any silverware, eating surfaces, or other food they may be preparing.

 Keep Hot Foods Hot and Cold Foods Cold

Any type of meat that is meant to be cooked and eaten at a certain temperature should not sit at room temperature for too long. Meat can be kept warm by putting it in an insulated container or placed in the oven on a low setting. Conversely, if you are serving a cold food that is perishable, keep it in the refrigerator for the majority of the day. Of course it can be kept out for a bit around serving time, but for the most part should be kept at the temperature it’s supposed to be at.

 Keep Raw Foods Separate

Be sure that your raw foods are not touching other foods that get eaten without being cooked. Generally, the rule is that meat should be on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator or the cooler so that any juices that could drip off of do not fall on to another type of food. This prevents harmful bacteria from being unknowingly consumed.

 Use a Food Thermometer

Serving under-cooked meat is an easy way to absolutely ruin a barbecue. If it’s under-cooked there could be harmful bacteria that isn’t properly destroyed the way it’s supposed to be in the cooking process. There are charts on the internet that show what the internal minimum temperature of different food items should be before they’re considered done cooking. By referring to one of these and using a food thermometer, you can be sure the meat you serve is free of bacteria.

By employing these food hygiene tips, you are sure to have a successful, safe, and delicious barbecue. Not heeding the proper precautions can mean making people sick from improperly prepared food, so it is quite important. Some people don’t care for the stress that accompanies having to cook the food themselves, which is why having big barbecues catered can be a good option! Sydney Catering offers a diverse menu for people who want a tasty barbecue but none of the hassle.