McHenry Co. Health Dept. offers food safety tips for July 4

If you are planning a cookout for the July Fourth weekend, make sure it includes more than a menu and invited guests. A metal-stemmed thermometer is as much a party essential as matching plates and napkins.

The McHenry County Department of Health wants you to practice safe food handling by keeping "hot things hot" - greater than 135 degrees Fahrenheit, and "cold things cold" - less than 41 degrees Fahrenheit, to reduce your risk of a food-borne illness. Other safety tips include:

• Thaw frozen meats in the refrigerator.

• Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after handling foods.

• Clean all kitchen surfaces before you begin cooking.

• To avoid cross contamination, use separate plates for raw and cooked meats.

• Scrub cutting boards with hot soapy water after preparing food.

• Use a metal stemmed food thermometer to ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature. Food is safely cooked when it reaches a high enough internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria.

• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of serving time.

Food-borne illness is preventable. If you suspect a food-borne illness, call McHenry County Department of Health at (815) 334-4585, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For after-hour emergencies, call (815) 344-7421. Visit www.foodsafety.gov for other food safety tips.