Food safety for the 4th of July

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — With the Fourth of July, there will be cookouts everywhere.

Burgers, veggies, and of course, the all-American hotdog will all be on grills across the state.

There is always a risk of food borne illness in these environments though.

Eric Withrow, Emergency Department Director for Beckley Appalachian Regional Healthcare, said there are several things to keep track of for safe grilling.

“Food safety is very important. Keeping your area clean. We are…there’s a lot of cooking outside and food being brought outside, so just being mindful of temperatures. Making sure that grilled items are cooked to the desired temperature to ensure that it’s safe to eat,” said Withrow. “Storing food back in the refrigerator in a timely manner and not keeping it out all day is very important.”

Withrow suggested using a food thermometer for grilled items to ensure the proper internal temperature has been reached.

He also advises to stay hydrated while you are standing over that hot grill.

Dehydration can lead to confusion which may cause mistakes in appropriate food handling.

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