SHAWANO, WI – As grills fire up and backyard barbecues return, Shawano-Menominee County Health Director Nick Mau is reminding residents that food safety begins well before the first burger hits the grill.
“Number one, just wash your hands before handling food,” Mau said. “If you’re preparing food for other people, you always want to wash your hands with soap and water.”
Beyond hand hygiene, Mau advises extra caution when marinating food. Leaving meat out on the counter might seem convenient, but it can also be dangerous.
“If you’re gonna do any sort of marinade, I know it’s tempting to just let something sit out for a few hours,” he said. “But it’s really recommended to keep that wrapped and in the refrigerator.”
Other important food safety practices include keeping raw meat separate from cooked food, cooking meat to safe internal temperatures, and promptly refrigerating or freezing leftovers.
To learn more about food handling guidelines and seasonal safety tips, residents can visit the Shawano-Menominee County Health Department’s website.
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