(Mobile, Ala.) July 2nd--There's not a single failing health rating to tell you about, however as you celebrate your independence during this long 4th of July holiday, remember food poisoning isn't limited to local restaurants, a lot of it is cooked up homemade.
The Fourth of July is the perfect time to invite over a few friends and fire up the grill. Recently, Cubidene Hickman told NBC15 News it’s the time of year she and her family looks forward to all year long. “We all get together and have a good time and of course we like to eat.”
Unfortunately, it’s also a popular time to get sick. Teresa Stokes remembers her holiday mean gone wrong. “We were sick for two or three days from sandwiches which had mayo on them oh it was an awful experience." A dining disruption Stokes says happened when she her guard down. “We had a lot of family over and there was a lot of confusion and things you don't practice what you normally would”, Stokes said.
To keep your back yard bash safe this 4th, don’t forget to wash your hands! David Mann, a spokesperson with the Mobile County Health Department says lathering up is the single most effective way to prevent you and your guests from getting sick. “Wash your hands with soapy water before and after you prepare your food," said Mann. "If you're going to be somewhere where you don't have access to water, why not take along some sanitary disposable towels or have a jug or water with hand sanitizer,” cautioned Mann.
To "zap" the bugs you can't see --turn up the heat! Food experts say cooking your burgers and franks long enough and at a higher temperature will also kill harmful bacteria. Cook your poultry at 180 degrees Fahrenheit ...and your beef or steaks at 145. Remember, try not to leave the colors pink or red in the center of your burgers.
Lastly cook your meats from start to finish at your picnic site. Cooking it ahead of time only allows dangerous bacteria to survive and grow. “The best thing to keep in mind all summer when it comes to grilling out is if the food is supposed to be cold, keep it cold, if its supposed to be hot, keep it hot,” said Mann.
