With Father’s Day coming up this weekend, there is NO doubt that men (and ladies!) will flock to the grill! There are some important safety considerations that should be noted. Thanks to NSF International – a nonprofit organization that is committed to protecting public health and safety by developing standards and certifying products against those standards – for sharing a list of its top tips for grilling. Whether you are novice or a grilling expert, these tips provide sound advice for keeping your grilling fun and safe this summer.
1. Start with a Clean Kitchen: According to a swab analysis by NSF International, the kitchen sponge and kitchen sink were the germiest places in the home – items that are typically used in multiple stages of the cooking and cleaning process. Avoid cross-contamination by ensuring these items are clean by:
a. Placing wet sponges in the microwave for two minutes once per day and replacing them often – every two weeks or more as needed. A better option for kitchen cleaning are dishcloths, towels and rags. These items can be sanitized by washing on the clothes washer’s hot water cycle with bleach. Replace every 1-2 days.
b. Washing and disinfecting the sides and bottom of the sink 1-2 times per week with a disinfecting cleaner. Sanitize kitchen drains and disposals monthly by pouring a solution of one teaspoon household bleach in one quart of water down the drain. Wash kitchen sink strainers in the dishwasher weekly.
2. Defrost Foods Safely. Don’t attempt to defrost foods quickly by leaving them sit overnight on a kitchen counter. Use one of the following methods:
a. Option I – Place a covered food in a shallow pan on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator.
b. Option II – Defrost the food item in the microwave, but keep in mind that you must finish cooking the food immediately thereafter, as some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during the microwave defrosting process.
c. Option III – If there is not enough time to thaw frozen foods, it is safe to cook foods from the frozen state. However, the cooking will take approximately 50% longer than the recommended time for fully thawed or fresh meat and poultry.
3. Practice Proper Marinating. If marinating food, marinate in a refrigerator overnight and dispose of any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw meat. While acids in marinades can help tenderize meat, too much vinegar or hot sauce can cause meat to be more stringy and tough.
4. Keep Hot Foods Hot and Cold Foods Cold Hot foods need to be kept at temperatures above 140 F and cold foods less than 40 F. Between these two temperatures, bacteria can multiply very rapidly and reach dangerous levels in as little as two hours.
5. Don’t cook with your eyes; Cook with a thermometer. In order to ensure food has reached a safe internal temperature, always use a certified food thermometer. Any leftovers should be put away within two hours (one hour if the temperature is over 90° F).
6. Avoid Cross Contamination. Since bacteria can easily spread from one food to the next via dripping juices, hands, or utensils, think ahead to avoid cross contamination. Don’t use the same utensils and plates for raw and cooked foods, and always remember to wash your hands before preparing and consuming food.
Thank you for those!! There are several that I will be sharing with the hubbies I know that will be grilling.
I’ve generously been provided with a prize pack to give away to one of my readers!!! Who wants to win?
Win grilling tongs, NSF Certified Tupperware, an NSF Certified meat thermometer, and an NSF apron to use in your safe cooking endeavors!
Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment with your email address telling me something you learned on NSF’s SafetyTown website.
Bonus Entries: (leave a separate comment for each extra entry you do!)
*Take the Food Safety Quiz. How did your answers compare to what NSF recommends?
*Enter any of my other giveaways. One extra entry per giveaway you enter.
*Follow me on Google Friend Connect (on the right hand side of this page).
*Follow me on Twitter @JennsRAQ.
*Like me on Facebook.
*Retweet this post or share it on Facebook using the icons on the post. 🙂 Thanks for spreading the word!
Contest will close 6/25.
*I was compensated for this post, but all opinions stated above are my own.
Kwyndawn says
I learned that they inspect water treatment and mark it with their seal only if it does what is claims it can do.
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Kwyndawn says
I tried to take the quiz. I read and answered all the questions but they do not have a place to show their answers. However, I am sure I passed.
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nickandkatherine says
I found out that composting toilets use little or no water. Can I enter in the UK
xmd5 says
I learned that NSF logo on product means it meet stringent FDA regulations
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xmd5 says
i took the quiz and im pretty impressed with my score.
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~SALLY~ says
I learned that they have dishwashers that are certified with NSF!
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ACMommy3 says
I learned that you can look for the NSF Seal on Dishwashers to make sure the one you purchase effectively cleans & santizes your dishes! Cool, I knew they had seals on water filters and such, but not appliances too. 🙂 creedamy [at] yahoo[dot] com
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Stephanie says
I learnt that The NSF mark on the label of bottled waters means that the product meets stringent Food and Drug Administration and international regulations not only for product quality but for processing and packaging as well.
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I follow via GFC (thegrants)
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Reanne says
NSF has a quality assurance program they enforce to help you know that when you buy organic, it’s organic!
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Reanne says
I got 10 out of 18 points. Mmm, germs.
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tamiv says
I learned that Stores should have The NSF label on their products to say that their up to the standards to be able for me to Buy!
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I took the quiz and didn’t do too Great!
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kellyr78 says
I learned that I should contact my local water utility to ensure the chemicals used to treat my water are certified by NSF.
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Davney says
I loved the information about composting toilets!
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Davney says
I follow via GFC.
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kendra22 says
even certify coffee makers!
cool
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kendra22 says
GFC Kendra22
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kellyr78 says
I entered your Grilling Accessory Pack giveaway
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Anonymous says
I learned that the NSF mark existed! Nice to know!
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Eddie and Kristi says
I learned that the NSF mark can be found on water bottles!
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Heather says
I learned something new about chemicals in disposable glove, I never would have that about watching out for that before.
Heather says
The only question I didn’t get right was, that your not supposed to defrost meat by setting it out on the counter. Bacteria grows at room temp more rapidly.
Kwyndawn says
entered the caillos contest
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Kwyndawn says
entered the cars 2 contest
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Kwyndawn says
entered the dinosaur contest
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Little Miss Sunshine says
I learned that they validate safety claims on chemicals used in food production.
LMsunshine33ATgmailDOTcom
Little Miss Sunshine says
I couldn’t find the answers to the quiz… but just by the options I can tell a few things I need to do better!
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Little Miss Sunshine says
GFC follower.
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Liked you on fb as Missy S.
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Rebecca Shockley says
I learned about shopfresh safety program, I will definitely be asking the butcher this the next time I’m at the grocery store.
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entered the Caliou giveaway
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Rebecca Shockley says
I was in the 8- 17 range – closer to 17 though. I’m vulnerable
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tarter95 says
I learned the sell by date is for food safety.
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tarter95 says
GFC follower.
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tarter95 says
I scored a 13 on the quiz.
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daivabaum says
Their Shopfresh program assures that the produce we buy is fresher, deli purchases had been stored properly and food expiration dates are correct.
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Diana says
They have dishwashers certified with NSF
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Deb K says
I found out that composting toilets use little or no water.
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I follow with GFC
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I like you on FB~Deb S
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Anonymous says
I learned that Shopfresh helps with food safety.
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Tori says
I learned they even have an international section.
vrtheriot@gmail.com
Anonymous says
i learned that nsf certifies almost every piece of food equipment at the grocery store for saftey.
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esluka says
Didn’t realize how much they service..we love buffet’s and they take the food safety seriously in thier buffet stations. erinnsluka@gmail.com
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Twitter follower @3sonshavei erinnsluka@gmail.com
esluka says
FB follower @ erinn arena Sluka erinnsluka@gmail.com
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Alicia C. says
I learned that my water may not actually be treated with safe chemicals! NSF suggests calling my water department and asking whether they are using NSF/ANSI Standard 60 approved chemicals!
ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com ☮
Alicia C. says
Well, I got 12 out of 18 points. I have to argue with the raw egg one. I buy my eggs fresh from a free-range farmer. The chance of those eggs having anything wrong with them is nearly zero. Oh, and the washing dishes one wasn’t fair! I let them sit until morning, but they get air-dried. Ick – I can’t imagine towel-drying…
ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com ☮
Alicia C. says
I’m a GFC follower
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Alicia C. says
I follow you on Twitter
amccrenshaw
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I like you on FB
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sueparks2003 says
Composting toilets are enviromently safe.
sps1113 at yahoo dot com
sueparks2003 says
I missed only the sink drain question (I’m a germ freak)lol
sps1113 at yahoo dot com
sueparks2003 says
Shared on fb sps1113 at yahoo dot com
Gladys Parker
Check it out…
Jenn’s RAQ: Father’s Day Cooking and Grilling Tips to Remember (and a giveaway!)
https://www.realandquirky.com
I learned that they inspect water treatment and mark it with their seal only if it does what is claims it can do. kwyndawn(at)hotmail(dot)com
27 seconds ago · Like · · Share
sueparks2003 says
Follow YOU on GFC
Gladys P
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Anonymous says
they have in the natural section composting toilets costana@q.com
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BeautyToLove says
-Something I learned: The NSF Mark means that an item has been certified to safety standards.
aliaskys (at) yahoo . com
Thank You!! 🙂
BeautyToLove says
-I took the Quiz. I got (14) Points
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Thank You!! 🙂
BeautyToLove says
I Follow you Publicly via Google Friend Connect
***GFC Name: Beauty To Love
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I Follow You on Twitter
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BeautyToLove says
I Like You on Facebook
–FB Name: Francine E.
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Rachel says
I learned that the seal means that it’s passed stringent regulations
Rachel says
I took the quiz and realized I could do better about some areas