Memorial Day Grilling Tips: Hot To Safely Prepare Your Food

With Memorial Day near, many are looking to fire up the grill for the first time this year. Just make sure you do it safely.

Van Buren Ag Extension Agent Paula May said whether you grill by charcoal, gas or pellet, it’s always important to remember how to safely store and prep your meats.

“We could run the risk of having foodborne illness and being sick on Memorial Day would not be fun or even the few days afterwards,” May said. “As far as temperatures, if it is a steak or a pork chop, we want it to be 145 degrees.”

May said ground beef should reach 160 degrees and poultry should needs to be 165 degrees. May said under cooking your meat increases the chance of catching E Coli or salmonella.

“We don’t want to make ourselves sick and others sick, so we need to know the importance of safe temperatures and safe practices like using a meat thermometer,” May said.

May said while preparing your meat, change out utensils that have touched raw meat before touching finished food.

As for the grilling process, make sure your grill is cleaned and oiled before starting. May said while cooking, do not wear loss clothing to avoid fire danger and ensure children are mindful of hot surfaces.

“Once the fire has been started, you shouldn’t add more fire start to it,” May said. “Personally, I use the chimney of my charcoal grill and I put newspaper or paper towel with some oil on it to start it.”