INDEPENDENCE DAY COOKING REMINDERS

(SPRINGFIELD) With the Fourth of July one of the most noted days to use a grill or smoker to cook up some delicious meats, poultry, and vegetables, folks around the state should take the needed precautions to reduce the risk of any foodbourne illnesses. Some of the most notable tips include to always use a food thermometer to measure the safe minimum internal temperature of the food being grilled or smoked, plus reduce the chances of any cross-contamination of food by using seperate utensils for raw and cooked food. Always remember to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot, and always put those food leftovers away in the refrigerator or cooler as soon as possible. If any food safety questions, call the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline tollfree, at 1-888-MPHotline, that’s 1-888-674-6854.