Barbecue Safely

Every summer around 40% of the U.K's population bring out their barbecues.

The smell of sizzling sausages and steaks drifts on the air, and the risks of food poisoning and other barbecue-related accidents increase.
These risks could be greatly reduced if the following simple precautions are taken.

Food Hygiene

ALWAYS wash your hands before starting the cooking

wash salads and vegetables thoroughly
ensure that tongs, skewers and forks are spotlessly clean
ensure that the barbecue grill is thoroughly cleaned after use
use separate utensils for raw and cooked food
defrost frozen meat and poultry fully before cooking (ideally defrosting should be carried out in the fridge)
keep raw and cooked food separate
cover all food to protect it from insects and dust
keep meat, salads and other perishable foods in the fridge until you are ready to use them - a cook box is suitable if a fridge is not available
pre-cook poultry and then barbecue
cook poultry, sausages, burgers and chopped or minced meats until the juices run clear

General Barbecue Safety

site the barbecue away from fences, trees, hedges and wooden sheds
choose a sheltered, level spot
NEVER use petrol or paraffin on barbecues. Use fire-lighters or special starter fluid
keep children and pets away from the barbecue
use long-handled tongs to remove food from the glowing coals
NEVER leave the barbecue unattended
ALWAYS ensure that the barbecue is completely extinguished after use
keep a bucket of water close by - just in case!

For further information contact:

Environmental Health Services
Surrey Heath House
Knoll Road
Camberley
Surrey
GU15 3HD

01276 707100
environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk