Experts have warned barbecue enthusiasts to play it safe during the hot weather by making sure everything is cooked 100 per cent.
The food safety people, Safefood, have commented saying that minced, skewered or rolled meats such as burgers, sausages and kebabs should be thoroughly cooked and never served ‘rare’ or pink in the middle, no matter what time of year it is, acording to Irish Health.
The warning comes because the majority of bacteria found on minced meats is located in the very middle making it next to impossible to kill it without cooking it right the way through. And with a few jars on you, it can be very easy to under cook something.
If you’re a blood lover and you prepare you’re meet blue then make sure to use whole cuts of meat. According to Safefood, harmful bacteria will only live on the outside of whole cuts of meat such as thick juicy steak and these cuts can be cooked to preference. So if you want your meat pink or blue make sure to always use a whole cut.
Dr Gary Kearney, of Safefood said: “This weekend might be the first time this year that people will cook on a barbecue so it’s important not to let your good food safety habits go up in smoke.”
“Fresh ingredients and good food are part of a healthy lifestyle and everyone loves the flavour of barbecued food but we need to make sure that meat is fully cooked. To check that a burger or sausage is cooked thoroughly, cut into the middle with a clean knife and check that it is piping hot all the way through, there is no pink meat left and the juices run clear”.
If you’re planning a BBQ today then make sure to check out JOE’s top five tips for the perfect BBQ.
