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Gearing up for the big Memorial Day weekend? Here are some tips from the Westchester County Health Department to keep you safe and to prevent E. coli, salmonella and West Nile Virus from spoiling your fun.
*Spray insect repellent containing DEET on your clothes and exposed skin to avoid mosquito bites.*Empty out standing water from all outdoor containers to keep mosquitos from breeding.*Avoid attracting animals-collect and dispose of food and litter.
* Thaw meat and poultry slowly in the refrigerator or under cold running water before cooking.*Harmful bacteria usually grow in the "danger zone" between 40 degrees and 140 degrees F, so marinate and hold meat and poultry in the refrigerator until you are ready to grill it.
* Transport food inside a cooler filled with ice to keep it at 40 degrees F or below. Keep the cooler out of direct sunlight and avoid opening the lid too often. Keep beverages in a separate cooler.
* Cook your food to the right temperature--that's 160 degrees for ground beef and pork and 165 degrees for chicken and hot dogs. Always use a food thermometer to be sure the food has reached a safe internal temperature.
* Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Discard any food left out for more than two hours after cooking, or one hour if it's more than 90 degrees F outside.
*Don't cross-contaminate: don't reuse marinades on cooked food unless you boil them first and don't use the same plate, cutting board and utensils for cooked food that you used for raw meat.*Wash hands, surfaces and utensils frequently with soap and water or antiseptic wipes.
Most of all, have fun!
What are your plans for Memorial Day? Share them here.
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