Are Your Barbecue Foods in the ‘Danger Zone’?

Chicken? Check. Barbecue sauce? Check. Burgers? Check.

You’re all set to fire up your grill. But you’re missing one thing.

A meat thermometer is your key to grilling safely.

Follow these tips to ensure a satisfying (and safe) experience for your family and friends.

Are they done yet?

Cutting open a chicken breast or burger won’t tell you whether it’s truly “done.”

The only one way to know is by inserting a meat thermometer.

Your meat should be at 165 degrees, and your chicken should be at 160 degrees.

“That’s the point where you know it’s done, where it has killed off harmful microbes that could make you sick,” says wellness dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD.

The danger zone

The temperature ‘danger zone’ you want to avoid is between 40 degrees and 140 degrees.

Keep barbecue foods at these temperatures right up until you serve them:

Above 140 degrees for cooked, hot food
Below 40 degrees for cold foods (especially those with mayo, dairy or egg products).

“A lot of times what I’ll suggest to my patients is to store potato salad or macaroni salad on ice,” says Ms. Kirkpatrick.

“Actually keep it cool. Don’t let those microbes grow.”

Watch the clock

Be sure to factor in the length of time a food sits out, and whether it’s sitting on a table indoors or outside in the hot sun.

Outdoor food will probably last only one hour before it reaches the danger zone.

Indoor food may last up to two hours before it becomes unsafe.

Keep these tips in mind for an enjoyable and safe barbecue experience.

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Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19

Dear Patients:

Our patients, employees and family are our top priority at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

We ask you to not visit any of our locations if you have symptoms such as fever, sneezing, coughing and possible shortness of breath.

Please cancel your appointment and re-schedule once you are feeling better and are no longer suffering with symptoms.

Only non-symptomatic patients will be seen. No exceptions.

Accompanying family members – including children – are asked to remain in the waiting area and will not be allowed to enter the exam rooms.

During this time of high concern regarding the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we are taking extra precautions to maintain the highest possible standards of safety and cleanliness. Please be advised that we are carefully following recommendations from both the CDC and WHO and are here to help guide you through this time if needed.

Some steps we are taking to keeping safe:

We know how important cleanliness is and always maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. To further offer you peace of mind, we have increased the frequency of the cleaning of our office.

Rest assured that hand washing is strictly followed. Hand sanitizer is available to all staff and patients.

Additionally, if you have recently traveled to a country with high rates of the coronavirus or have been on a cruise, please reschedule your visit for at least 14 days from your return date. We will gladly accommodate your needs to reschedule. At that time, a telehealth interface can be arranged if necessary.

Find up-to-date and accurate information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and feel free to reach out with questions.

- Your team at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about Long Island Spine Specialists – and to discover how we can relieve your pain and help you find an improved quality of life – please contact our office today and schedule a consultation.