Grilling season is here. As you get out the grill and return to cooking foods outdoors, food safety needs to remain a top priority. In order to enjoy a grilled meal without risking food poisoning, these steps make it simple.

Keep Meats Cold

Any meat that is going on the grill needs to be kept cold. Marinate meats in the fridge and not on a counter. You can also freeze items in the marinade. Freezing in marinade allows the fibers to better absorb the marinade.

If you’re grilling at another location, have a cooler filled with ice or ice packs. Keep the meat on ice until the grill is ready.

Use a Thermometer

Always cook with a food thermometer. Chicken and turkey need to reach 165 degrees F before they’re served. Pork and beef must be at least 145 degrees F. Fish is also 145 degrees F. Ground beef, pork, lamb, and veal have to be cooked to 160 degrees F.

Keep the Grill Clean

The grill is going to attract mice. It’s a warm, sheltered location. If you’re finding grass, birdseed, or other signs of mice in the grill, it has to be sterilized. Remove the grates and do a thorough cleaning with baking soda and vinegar. Rinse everything thoroughly.

After using the grill, leave the flames burning for an additional 10 minutes to burn off any residue. Scrap the burnt residue away and wipe it clean with a mixture of bleach and water once the grill has cooled.

See if you can find the hole the mice are using to get in. If there is an obvious entrance, see if you can use sheet metal to seal it off. A zippered grill cover can also keep them out. If that’s not working, a mousetrap may be necessary.

Around the home, food preparation also requires special care. Have you found your mom leaving pizza on the counter and saying it’s fine to eat it a day later? Does your dad use the same cutting board for his raw meats and vegetables? If you’re worried about the way they prepare foods, talk to them. It’s a good time to discuss the benefits caregivers offer.

Instead of struggling to remember food safety rules, your parents could have a caregiver cooking meals for them. Some older adults find it harder to cook for one or two or to cook when arthritis pain is flaring up. They’ll take risky shortcuts or rely on takeout. Call a home care agency and ask about having caregivers cook your parents’ meals.

If you or an aging loved one is considering caregivers in Dulles, VA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands today. (703) 782-3655.