Summer grilling season is in full swing as warmer temperatures draw crowds to parks, backyards, and outdoor gatherings. Along with the sizzle of burgers and brats, health officials warn that improper food handling and cross-contamination can turn a fun cookout into a risky meal. Basic safety steps—like keeping raw meats separate and using a food thermometer—remain critical to preventing foodborne illnesses. With more people grilling than ever, experts emphasize that a few simple precautions can make all the difference between a safe, enjoyable barbecue and a stomachache.
As the weather starts to warm across the country, throngs of people will take to the great outdoors to bask in the sun, crack open a cold one and, inevitably, fire up the grill. It's a pattern we all ...