Outdoor Food Preparation Food Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

By James Bennett | July 9, 2020 |

July’s National Grilling Month is a great time to look at your parents’ habits when they’re grilling a meal outside. Are they taking the right steps to avoid food poisoning? If they’re not following these food safety recommendations, it’s important that they change their habits.

In-Home Care Spartanburg SC – Outdoor Food Preparation Food Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

Meats Need to Stay Refrigerated

When they’re grilling meats, the meat needs to stay refrigerated. If they want to marinate their meat, they can do so in a bowl or storage bag and place it back in the refrigerator. The meats shouldn’t be left out on a counter for an extended period.

If your parents are grilling at another location, they should fill a cooler with ice. Always keep the meat on ice until it’s needed. Make sure they don’t leave it in the sun to warm up and develop bacteria.

Keep the Grill Away From Structures

Fire codes urge homeowners to keep grills 10 feet away from homes, deck rails, and other structures. If the grill is not that far away, a fire could spread and cause a lot of damage. Plus, homeowner’s insurance may refuse to cover damages that are caused by a grill that was not a safe distance from a structure.

Use a Meat Thermometer

Ask your parents if they check the internal temperature of meats when they’re being cooked. Pork should be at least 145 F, chicken needs to be at least 165 F, and ground beef patties need to be 160 F. If the temperature is too low, they should keep cooking it.

After checking the temperature, if it’s not correct, they need to take the thermometer inside and wash it. They do not want to reuse the meat thermometer if the potential bacteria hasn’t been removed. If they do, they’re introducing the bacteria to the meat each time they check the temperature.

Keep Foods Covered

Flies and insects may spread bacteria if they’re able to get to the meat your parents are grilling. Things need to stay covered. When meats are fully cooked, they should be covered by foil or placed in a container that has a tight-fitting cover.

Fully Cool the Grill Before Putting It Away

Once your parents are done cooking and cleaning up, they shouldn’t put the grill away until it has fully cooled. They may need to leave it out overnight to ensure it’s cool enough before putting it back in the garage or a shed.

If meal preparation is posing a risk, have you talked to your parents about having in-home care providers stop by and cook their meals? In-home care aides can cook their meals, go grocery shopping for them, and talk to them to get menu ideas.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring In-Home Care Services in Spartanburg SC, please contact the caring staff at Upstate Home Care Solutions today. Call (864) 527-0455.

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James Bennett

Owner at Upsate Home Care Solutions

James Bennett is a native of Taylors, SC. A graduate of Riverside High School, he attended Clemson University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Packing Science. Upon graduation, he commenced on a career path in food manufacturing with Nestle Frozen Foods (1999 – 2008) and Country Fresh, Inc. (2008 – 2011). When James was only 12, his father, at the age of 37, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).With both an ailing father and a grandmother suffering from several medical conditions, James Bennett and his family were able to unify and provide their loved ones with the home care they needed. Their family structure and consistent schedule were key aspects in providing care. Unfortunately, not all families have the structure, resources, or flexibility to provide the home care their loved one desires. James understands the difficulties families and caregivers encounter while providing and caring for loved ones. A loving son, husband, and father who understands the need to help families, James created Upstate Home Health Care Solutions, LLC in 2011 to fill in the gap for families who need caring individuals to assist with a loved one’s home care needs.

• Greenville Chamber of Commerce Minority Business of the Year 2017
• Greenville Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Accelerator (MBA) Program participant 2017
• Greenville Chamber of Commerce MBA Excellence Award Recipient 2017
• Featured on the cover Upstate Business Journal June 2016
• Community Works Economic Impact Award 2016
• Board Member of Ten at the Top (TATT) and Fire Pit Ranch (FPR)
• Member of Upstate Senior Network, Greenville & Spartanburg Chapters
• Member of the Healthcare division of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce
• Member of the Better Business Bureau
• Staff member of Palmetto Boys State sponsored by the American Legion
• Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.