Safe food handling is important, whether it’s in your kitchen, cooking out in the backyard, or tailgating at the big game. Randy Henderson, owner of the Old World Meat Market in Whitesboro, tells you how to safely handle food for your next cookout.

When it comes to food handling, cleanliness is imperative.

"To safely handle food, they need a clean surface area and clean hands," Henderson says.

Wash your hands often to avoid cross contamination.

"Cross contamination is started by having uncooked food on your hands and touching cooked food," says Henderson.

Uncooked food could have harmful bacteria on it. Always cook food to the proper temperature, especially chicken and pork.

"There’s just a little more bacteria in chicken and pork," Henderson says.

Finally, do not leave meat sitting around at room temperature.

"Keep that meat cold until its time to cook."

Remember these rules the next time you are preparing the grub. For more on safe food handling, check:

http://www.foodsafety.gov/~fsg/cookit.html

This Safe Family report is brought to you by: