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The Iowa Department of Public Health says summer cookouts are often marked with an increase in food borne diseases.  This data is usually associated with summertime holidays such as the Fourth of July.  Washington County Public Health Inspector Jennine Wolf says to keep raw foods refrigerated until you are ready to cook it.

It’s important to cook meat thoroughly when grilling.  Wolf mentions using a meat thermometer when cooking foods to get them to the correct temperature.

She says to cook poultry at 165 degrees and hamburgers at 155 degrees.  Wolf says cooking foods to the correct temperature helps to enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat.

She adds to make sure you have clean hands to prevent cross contamination.  It’s also important to refrigerate leftovers right away.