Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.


We're talking about fun in the sun this week on Health Watch. Previously, we talked about not keeping foods out too long when you're having a picnic. If you're cooking out, there are other safety guidelines you need to follow.

Lona Sandon, a registered dietitian at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, says when you're grilling, you shouldn't wait too long after raw meats are removed from refrigeration before you cook them. Make sure you keep raw meat separate from other foods — preferably in a different cooler, and don't use the same plates or utensils on the cooked meat as you used on raw meat. Be sure to wash your hands after handling raw meat. If soap and water aren't handy, use hand sanitizer. 

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^{May 2006}

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