Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts offer proper food safety tips when grilling for Memorial Day cookouts in AgriLife Today.
Some tips include proper use of flammable starter fluids, burn ban awareness and placement of the grill—preferably on a concrete surface and away from vegetation, deck railings, eaves and overhanging branches. If using a gas grill, check for leaks, tighten hose connections and place grill at least 10 feet away from house, not in the garage or under a carport.
Another concern for cookouts is food safety. Keep grilling workspace and food handling areas clean. Proper food temperatures during storage and cooking are vital. Cook poultry to 165 degrees, fully cooked meats like hot dogs to 165 degrees and hamburgers to 160 degrees. Other meats, including beef and pork, need to be cooked to at least 145 degrees.
Don’t let food sit out for more than two hours, or half that time if outdoor temperatures are 90 degrees or more.