Huron County, ON – The Huron County Health Unit would like to congratulate the first winner of our #safefood2go contest, Heather Wesley.
“The Huron County Health Unit is sponsoring a #safefood2go contest to help people remember safe food handling practices this summer,” says public health inspector Jessica Van Geffen. “We want to hear everyone`s tips and tricks for keeping food safe when having a picnic or barbecuing at the local beaches or parks. We also want to see all the great locations within Huron County where people are picnicking.”
The #safefood2go contest offers entrants a chance to win one of two grand prize packages (valued at $600 each). Each prize package includes a WeberQ portable barbecue, Weber stainless steel BBQ tool kit, stainless steel cooler, promotional gift packs and a Sport Umbrella. The first draw was on Monday, July 11. The second draw will take place Monday, August 22.
To protect yourself, your family and friends from foodborne illness during warm-weather months, Van Geffen recommends the following safe food handling tips when eating outdoors:
Tip #1: Marinate foods in the refrigerator – never on the kitchen counter or outdoors.
Tip #2: Cook food to a safe internal temperature.
Tip #3: Use a probe thermometer to ensure your food is fully cooked:
- Remove the meat from of the barbeque and insert the thermometer into the thickest part.
- For beef hamburgers, insert the thermometer through the side of the patty, ensuring it is all the way to the middle.
- Clean and sanitize the thermometer after each time it is used to prevent cross-contamination.
Tip #4: Remember that both hot and cold foods should not remain in the temperature “danger zone” – between 4°C (40°F) and 60°C (140°F) – for more than two hours or an hour if outdoor temperatures are above 32°C. If food is left out longer, throw it out to be safe
To enter the contest, you must visit the Huron County Health Unit’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/huroncountyhealthunit and under the #safefood2go tab share your favourite tip for keeping your food safe during the summer. Include a photo of your favourite Huron County, Ontario picnic spot for a bonus entry!
Entries will be accepted until 11:59 PM Sunday, August 21, 2016. For complete contest rules visit http://www.huronhealthunit.ca/contest/.
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