It’s worth trusting a meat thermometers to bbq safely

They’re cheap, simple to use and professional cooks swear by them. Ownership of meat thermometers is up by 20% amongst home cooks according to new research.

With barbecue season in full swing (theoretically at least!), ownership of meat thermometers is now at 38%, according to all-island research carried out by Safefood.

This is up from 17% three years previously. Of those who don’t own a meat thermometer, 32% say they intend to purchase one in the future.

These results show that people are understanding the key message that using a meat thermometer is an effective way to ensure food safety at your summer barbecue, said Safefood’s Director of Food Safety, Trish Twohig.

“A huge 'well done' to those who have made their meat thermometer a part of their barbecue routine. With so many enjoying barbecues in the summer, it’s important that we’re all aware of the risk of food poisoning. A meat thermometer provides an extra layer of reassurance when cooking meats like burgers, sausages, chicken and kebabs.

“If you don’t have a meat thermometer, follow the three checks of ensuring these foods are cooked until piping hot, with no pink meat and the juices run clear. But we’d encourage you to buy an easy-to-use meat thermometer,” she added.

Also supporting the campaign, chef Nico Reynolds said: “We all want to enjoy a burger or sausage in the sun this summer and using a meat thermometer is essential for ensuring the food you serve up is tasty, well-cooked and safe to eat. If you’re not yet using a meat thermometer, what are you waiting for?!”

How to use one

Using a meat thermometer couldn’t be easier. Just take the meat off the heat, insert the thermometer into the thickest part – when it reads 75 degrees Celsius, it’s cooked through and safe to eat.

To ensure meat is well done and avoid food poisoning this barbecue season, ‘keep trusting the meat thermometer’ is the message from Safefood.

For more on cooking meat safely & using a meat thermometer, visit safefood.net/news or follow Safefood on social media.