Health Center's BBQ Food Safety Tips

(St. Francois County, MO) If you're planning to grill this Labor Day Weekend, it's important that you take the steps necessary to protect yourself, and your guests, from foodborne illnesses. Environmental Public Health Specialist for the St. Francois County Health Center, Kaleb Erwin, says cooking meats to the correct temperature is a critical part of the process.

As for leaving food out, Erwin says you'll want to hold those foods at 135 degrees or above, but notes that you never want to leave food out for more than 2 hours. To enjoy those leftovers, Erwin says you should reheat them to 165 degrees.