Don’t let your picnic end up with sickness

Iowans aren’t just firing off fireworks today. They’re also firing up their grills in backyards and in parks. Some of them will end up being sick because of improperly handled food. Cerro Gordo County health inspector Dixie Fullerton says to keep foods properly stored.Fullerton says using a meat thermometer when grilling is a must. She says chicken breasts should be cooked at 165-degrees, hamburgers at about 155, and all pork at about 165. Fullerton says you should always wash your hands after handling raw meat or you might cross-contaminate food that’s already been cooked.Fullerton says it’s not a good idea to even try storing leftovers from picnics in the park since food starts to accumulate bacteria after an hour. Fullerton says you should also thoroughly wash cutting boards, plates and utensils after touching raw meat and poultry. For more information, check out a food safety checklist at “www.cghealth.com”.