Practice Proper Food Preparation and Storage

Colorado Department of Public Health - Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Consumer Protection experts from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Tuesday urged Coloradans to cook and store their food carefully during celebrations such as Memorial Day, graduations, family reunions, the Fourth of July and other festivities throughout the summer, to prevent food borne illness.

Follow these food safety tips for a healthy summer barbecue:

• Buy a cooking thermometer, and cook all ground beef to an internal temperature of 155 F for at least 15 seconds to completely kill all E. coli bacteria. Cook all chicken to 165 F.

• Avoid cross-contaminating foods by always using a clean plate or tray for cooked food items such as hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken or other grilled items. Do not re-use the plate that the uncooked items were stored on unless it has been washed, rinsed and sanitized. 

• Keep all cold foods at 41 F or below. Do not keep the following foods at room temperature for more than four hours: foods containing meat, milk, eggs, fish or poultry; fresh tomatoes that are cut, diced or sliced, such as for salsas or garnishes; or cut melon. If these foods are kept at room temperature for more than four hours, throw them away.

• After preparing raw foods and before preparing foods that do not require further cooking, thoroughly clean cutting boards, knives and other utensils with hot, soapy water, rinse them with clean water and sanitize. A sanitizing solution can be prepared using 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. 

• Always wash hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, changing diapers, sneezing, coughing, eating, drinking or smoking. Also, wash hands between handling raw food, particularly raw meat or poultry, and handling foods that will not be cooked prior to being consumed.

• Dispose of any food product that has been recalled.  If instructed, return the recalled product to the retailer where the item was purchased.

• If you question whether a food should be kept, remember the adage, "When in doubt, throw it out!"

For more information about food safety, call the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Consumer Protection Division at 303-692-3620.