Following Grilling and Food Safety Precautions Can Keep You Safe from Injury and Illness
PO Box 360 May 25, 2018 |
Shereef Elnahal |
Following Grilling and Food Safety Precautions Can Keep You Safe from Injury and Illness
TRENTON – In advance of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Division of Fire Safety and the New Jersey Department of Health are providing residents with grilling and food safety tips to keep holiday celebrations safe from injury and illness.
“We want to remind families, before they start to grill hotdogs, hamburgers and other holiday fare, to take the necessary precautions when using grills, particularly gas-fired ones,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, DCA Commissioner. “Following these safety tips is a good way to remain safe during holiday cookouts and throughout the spring and summer months.”
“Memorial Day weekend is a time for remembrance of our nation’s fallen women and men in uniform. When doing so with friends and family, it can be easy to forget safety precautions and proper food handling,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal. “Cook meat thoroughly, refrigerate leftovers promptly and wash hands frequently, as well as any surfaces used to prepare food.”
This week has also been designated as National Healthy and Safe Swimming Week. While enjoying the beach or pool this holiday weekend, it is important for swimmers to take steps to ensure a healthy and safe swimming experience for everyone and prevent the spread of germs.
TIPS FOR SAFE SUMMER COOKOUTS
GRILL SAFETY
When refilling an existing propane tank or exchanging one from your local retailer:
Beyond annual grill maintenance, use everyday precautions that will help to prevent a fire:
FOOD SAFETY
Each year, Healthy and Safe Swimming Week focuses on simple steps swimmers, aquatics and beach staff, residential pool owners, and public health officials can take in preventing drowning, pool chemical injuries, and outbreaks of illnesses. This year’s theme is “Swim Healthy. Stay Healthy,” which highlights swimmer hygiene and the need for swimmers to take an active role in helping to protect themselves and prevent the spread of germs.
For more on food safety, please visit: http://www.state.nj.us/health/foodanddrugsafety/.
The Division of Fire Safety serves as the central fire service agency in the State. The Division is responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, as well as for implementing community risk reduction strategies and firefighter training programs.
Follow the New Jersey Department of Health on Twitter @njdeptofhealth, Facebook /njdeptofhealth, Instagram @njdeptofhealth and Snapchat @njdoh.