THE hot weather means more and more Brits are opting to grill their dinner outdoors.
However, be careful not to make these common mistakes that can result in food poisoning.
Food experts have warned against making a common mistake when cooking outdoors this summer (stock image)[/caption]
Whether you’re enjoying quiet summer barbecue or grilling up a storm for all your friends and family, be careful when preparing your al fresco meal.
When it comes to outdoor cooking in these hot conditions, you need to take extra precautions.
Certain foods can quickly become dangerous when exposed to the high temperatures and sunlight for too long.
“Most people don’t realise how quickly warm weather turns food dangerous,” Mark McShane, food hygiene expert at Food Hygiene Certificate, told the Express.
Chicken, sausages, and burgers
“In 30 degree Celsius plus heat, chicken left out for just 30 minutes can begin developing unsafe levels of bacteria – and no, cooking it won’t always kill everything,” he explained.
He went on to say that taking chicken and burgers out of the fridge and leaving them by the barbecue for over too long before cooking places the meat in a “danger zone”.
According to the expert, the maximum amount of time meat should stay out of the fridge when the weather is between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius is an hour.
And when temperatures spike over 30 degrees Celsius, the maximum time is cut in half to just 30 minutes.
“We see a spike in food poisoning every time there’s a UK heatwave – and it’s nearly always avoidable,” he explained.
“You can’t ‘see’ or ‘smell’ these bacteria, but they’ll ruin your weekend.
“Cook safely, chill properly and when in doubt, throw it out.”
He added that charred doesn’t mean cooked when it comes to grilling up your barbecue staples.
This is especially important to remember with chicken, sausages, and burgers.
Meat should be cut through to ensure it is safe to eat and if they are pink or the juice isn’t clear, that’s your sign to put them back on the grill.
Coleslaw
The expert also warned Brits about another popular barbecue staple – colelsaw.
Government advice on BBQ safety
The UK Government have issued some guidelines for staying safe whilst using a barbecue:
- Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
- Follow the safety instructions provided with your gas, charcoal, or disposable barbecue.
- Never use a barbecue indoors, in a tent, under an awning or in a caravan.
- Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more (normally around 5cms or 2 inches).
- Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area.
- After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it.
- Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire.
- Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste.
- In the countryside or public park areas, only use disposable barbecues where there are specially designated areas and carefully follow the safety guidance.
- Enjoy yourself, but don’t drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue.
- Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue; use only recognised lighters or starter fuels on cold coals.
He revealed that sides made with mayonnaise or dairy “can quickly turn dangerous” if left in the sun.
You should also be aware of the dangers of cross-contamination, which the pro said is the most common mistake.
Avoid using the same tongs or chopping food for raw and cooked meat as this can cause salmonella infections.
More BBQ stories
And if you’re planning to host a barbecue get together on a smaller balcony, make sure to heed this warning.
Another little-known danger could also pose a risk when barbecuing this summer.
And barbecue fans can pick up a “no-frills” charcoal grill for just £11 from Argos.
Experts warned against leaving dairy-based dishes such as coleslaw in direct sunlight (stock image)[/caption]
