Barbecue and picnic time is here let's talk about Salmonella.....

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The best place to start of course is how to prevent it right? We have to start at the beginning with cleanliness and food preparation. Be sure to wash your hands and work surfaces often while your preparing food using warm soapy water and washing for at least 20 seconds. Wash utensils, cutting boards, dishes and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing each food item before going on to the next item. It's best to use paper towels to clean kitchen surfaces. Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods in your refrigerator. Try to use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for the raw meat, poultry and fish. It can be bothersome but you want to keep healthy while cooking and it's worth the trouble. Always wash cutting boards, dishes, countertops and utensils with hot soapy water after they come in contact with the meats and seafood. Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat. Cook at safe temperatures. Always use a clean food thermometer to measure the internal temperature to make sure they have reached a safety point. Always refrigerate foods properly. Freeze or refrigerate perishables, prepared foods and leftovers within 2 hours. Thaw food in refrigerator, in cold water or in microwave. Foods should not be thawed at room temperature. Marinate foods in the refrigerator. Don't pack the refrigerator. Cool air must circulate to keep food safe. Is there anything mentioned here that you didn't realize or know could contribute to salmonella? If these rules are followed your sure to have a happy, healthy barbecue, picnic summer!