With the 4th of July coming up this Friday and Independence Day Weekend celebrations around the corner, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging residents to prioritize food safety.
IDPH Urges July 4th Cookout Safety
Make sure to enjoy the food, family, fireworks, and fun while staying safe over the holidays.
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IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said that planning before heading to your 4th of July weekend celebration is the key to having a safe experience.
Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays. But without proper precautions, the fun can quickly turn into a health emergency. -Dr. Sameer Vohra, IDPH Director
Heat exhaustion, firework injuries, bug bites, and food sickness are common during the Independence Day weekend.
Keep it Cold, Clean, and Cooked Right
One of the biggest challenges of summer is keeping your perishable food items cold while being out in the hot sun, having a cookout or picnic.
IDPH recommends having two coolers: one for drinks and another insulated cooler for raw meats and dairy. All food should be kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep raw meats away from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination, and always thaw and marinate meats in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
NEVER reuse marinades that touched raw meat, and make sure to thoroughly clean hands, surfaces, and grilling tools before and after using.
Grilling Temperatures That Protect Your Guests
Using a food thermometer is critical when grilling to ensure food safety. According to the IDPH, these are safe cooking temperatures:
- 145°F – Whole cuts of beef, veal, lamb, and pork, including fresh ham (allow meat to rest for 3 minutes before carving or eating)
- 145°F – Fish with fins
- 160°F – Ground meats, such as beef and pork
- 165°F – All poultry, including ground chicken and turkey, leftovers, and casseroles
After cooking, leftovers should be placed back into a refrigerator or cooler in shallow containers within two hours, or one hour if it’s hotter than 90 degrees.
Recognize the Symptoms of Food Poisoning
Common foodborne illness symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, cramps, vomiting, and fever. If symptoms persist beyond two days or worsen, seek medical care immediately.
More safety tips can be found on the CDC’s Food Safety website HERE.
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