4th of July Safe Grilling

4th of July Safe Grilling

Maura Bennett
Maura Bennett

The 4th of July celebrations around Colorado look a lot different this year. Community events if they happen at all will be socially distanced and no big gatherings are allowed for fireworks. But families will still gather for barbecued burgers and hotdogs.

And every year the USDA has a reminder about food safety in the hot outdoor conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 48 million Americans will suffer some kind of food related illness this year and the largest percentage of those will get sick on the 4th of July.

Janell Goodwin with the the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline says leaving food out on a hot day is a very risky thing to do as dangerous bacteria begin to multiply very quickly

On mild days 2 hours is the maximum time food should be allowed to sit out.

Goodwin says it’s also really important to use a meat thermometer even if you’re an experienced griller. Different types of meat have different minimum cooking temperatures before they’re safe to eat. Get to know those.

The Meat and Poultry Hotline number is 1-888-MPHOTLINE or you can go online to ask.usda.gov

Many Coloradons will be staying home to celebrate with good food and family.

Several Colorado communities have cancelled or postponed 4th of July celebrations. Others will take place with COVID-19 precautions in place.

Fort Collins, Boulder and Aurora have cancelled their public celebrations. Denver's annual shows at Civic Center Park, Coors Field and Elitch Gardens have also been cancelled.

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Headache, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, and body aches are all signs of foodborne illnesses and not the way you want to celebrate Independence Day.

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