Plano Memorial Day Food Safety Tips

Press release from the City of Plano:

May 21, 2020

Avoid food poisoning this holiday weekend by taking these simple steps to prepare and cook your food safely.

1. Clean frequently:

Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water before, during and after preparing food and before eating.

Clean countertops, cutting boards and cooking utensils with soap and hot water. Disinfect these surfaces as well.

Rinse off fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Safely grill your meats:

Keep meat, poultry and seafood in separate grocery bags to avoid cross-contamination.

Refrigerate meat, poultry and seafood until ready to grill.

Keep meat below 40°F in an insulated cooler if transporting.

Throw out marinades and sauces that have touched raw meat juices.

Make sure meat is cooked through using a food thermometer. Safe temperatures are:

145°F - beef, pork, lamb, veal and fish
160°F - hamburgers and other ground beef
165°F - poultry and pre-cooked meats (e.g. hot dogs)

Keep cooked meats at 140°F or warmer until ready to serve.

3. Refrigerate your foods:

Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below.

Refrigerate or freeze leftovers in covered containers within two hours of cooking.

If the outdoor temperature is above 90°F, refrigerate within one hour.

Learn more about food safety from the CDC.

This press release was produced by the City of Plano. The views expressed here are the author’s own.