Don't get the barbecue blues
Every summer, four out of ten families will heat up the coals and pile on sausages, burgers, chicken and steaks and all those things that make for a great barbecue.
It's a great way to eat - but unfortunately it can also be a great way to get food poisoning. Following a few simple rules will minimise the risk of an unhappy ending to your outdoor fun.
It's all about being aware of bacteria. Bacteria are everywhere - on food, dirty hands, unwashed cooking equipment - and on flies, pets and other animals.
Most bacteria are harmless, but there are a few which can result in a nasty case of food poisoning or even serious illness. And bacteria love the warm weather.
Three simple rules to beat the 'barbie bug'
1. Be clean. Keep your hands clean at all times; wash vegetables before you
cook them and rinse salads. Keep your utensils clean and always use
separate tools for raw and cooked meats. Don't put cooked foods back into
the container you used to bring them into the garden uncooked. And make
sure any helpers - including children - obey these rules too.
2. Defrost thoroughly. Always defrost frozen
meats and poultry fully before
cooking - this means planning ahead and may mean getting foods out of the
freezer the day before your barbecue. And keep all perishable foods cool until
you need to use them - in the fridge or in a cool box or bag with ice packs.
3. Cook thoroughly. Poultry, sausages, burgers and chopped or minced meats should always be cooked until they are piping hot throughout - the juices should run clear - and there should be no pink bits. Never eat them rare. It is a good idea to pre-cook poultry just before barbecuing, and use the barbecue to add flavour and crispness.
One more thing: take care with the fire. Use a sheltered, level site, away from anything that might catch fire. Keep pets and children at a distance; use longhandled equipment when handling hot coals, and keep a bucket of sand or water handy.
Let the coals burn through and go white before cooking, so that food cooks more slowly and the inside is cooked through before the outside gets burnt.
Have a happy and safe barbecue!
For further advice on summer events safety contact Teresa Isaacs 01223 457900 or email env.health@cambridge.gov.uk