Safe Beef Handling

For America’s beef producers, providing safe food is their number one priority; and steps taken at every segment of the beef production chain ensures the safest product possible. However, consumers can contribute to the safety of their food by following proper in-home food safety practices.

Basic Handling Tips

PREPARATION

• Keep beef refrigerated - never thaw at room temperature.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
• Avoid cross-contamination by separating raw and and ready-to-eat foods.

  COOKING

• Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of ground beef.
• Insert meat thermometer sideways into the center of the patty.
• Cook burgers to an internal temperature of 160 F.

  SERVING

• Always place cooked food in a clean dish for serving, and use clean utensils.
• Never use the same plate that held raw meat, poultry or fish to serve the cooked meat.
• Do not allow any cooked food to sit out at room temperature more than two hours.
• When serving food buffet style, keep cold foods on ice at a temperature below 40°F, and keep hot foods above 140°F.
• Do not mix fresh food with food that has been sitting out.

  STORING LEFTOVERS

• Refrigerate cooked foods no later than 2 hours after cooking.
• Do not allow foods to cool at room temperature.
• Divide large amounts of leftovers into small portions and place in shallow containers for quick chilling.
• Freeze or discard leftovers that you won’t eat within a few days.
• Cover and reheat leftovers to 165°F throughout. Stir foods while you reheat them to ensure that all the food reaches the appropriate temperature.
• Never taste leftover food that looks or smells strange. When in doubt, throw it out.

Looking for more information?

Visit www.BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com for important beef safety information and more tips for safe and savory burgers.