Posted at: 07/03/2009 3:09 PM | WHEC.com
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4th of July cooking safety tips
Fourth of July means fun, fireworks, and of course food. The USDA has released food safety guidelines to make sure you enjoy a happy and safe holiday.
Grilling is the most popular way to cook this time of year. Experts say it's important to use a meat thermometer to make sure your food is cooked thoroughly. Beef should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees; pork 160 degrees, and chicken 165 degrees.
If you're using a smoker make sure the internal air temperature stays between 225 and 300 degrees.
Make sure all meat is thawed before cooking, but don't defrost it at room temperature. Marinate food in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
Remove meat from the grill on a clean plate, and refrigerate leftovers immediately. If the food has been left out for more than an hour when the temperature is above 90 degrees, throw it away.
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