The Barbecue Plate Swap That’s Easy to Forget
Food Systems
You carry raw chicken to the grill on a plate, then reach for the same plate when the cooked pieces are ready. That moment can transfer raw juices onto food you’ve just cooked. The FDA advises using a clean plate for cooked food.
Set a second plate or tray beside the grill before you start cooking. Keep the raw-food tray in a separate spot so another person helping with dinner can tell which one is ready for serving.
Check utensils too. Wash tools that touched raw food before using them on food that is ready to eat, and keep raw marinades away from finished dishes. The FDA says marinades used on raw food need to be brought to a boil before reuse.
For a small gathering, a simple layout helps. Use one area for the raw ingredients and another for clean serving tools, cooked food and side dishes.
