Carver Jones Market Ground Beef

How To Safely Handle Ground Beef

Safely handling ground beef is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Here are some key guidelines:  

1. Ground Beef Handling | Restaurant Food Safety – CDC

www.cdc.gov

 

Before Cooking:

• Refrigeration: Keep ground beef refrigerated at 40°F or below. If you won’t use it within two days, freeze it.  
  1. Ground Beef and Food Safety

  

  www.fsis.usda.gov

   

• Thawing: Thaw ground beef in the refrigerator, in cold water (changing the water every 30 minutes), or in the microwave. Never thaw it on the counter.  
  1. How long does it take for beef to thaw? – Ask USDA

  

  ask.usda.gov

   

• Handwashing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling raw ground beef.  
  1. Ground Beef and Food Safety

  

  www.fsis.usda.gov

   

• Separate Utensils and Surfaces: Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw and cooked ground beef to avoid cross-contamination. Wash all surfaces and utensils that have come in contact with raw meat with hot, soapy water.

Cooking:

• Internal Temperature: Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F. Use a food thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through.  
  1. To what temperature do I cook ground meat? – Ask USDA

  

  ask.usda.gov

   

  2. Kitchen Thermometers – USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

  

  www.fsis.usda.gov

   

• Color is Not Reliable: Don’t rely on color alone to determine doneness.  
  1. Can you tell if meat is safely done by its color? – Ask USDA

  

  ask.usda.gov

   

• Leftovers: Refrigerate cooked ground beef promptly within two hours.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid Cross-Contamination: Keep raw ground beef away from other foods, especially ready-to-eat foods.  
  1. Ground Beef and Food Safety

  

  www.fsis.usda.gov

   

• Discard Packaging: Don’t reuse packaging materials that held raw ground beef.  
  1. Ground Beef and Food Safety

  

  www.fsis.usda.gov

   

• Be Wary of Expiry Dates: While “sell-by” dates can be helpful, always check the ground beef for signs of spoilage (off odor, slimy texture, discoloration). When in doubt, throw it out.  
  1. How to Tell If Ground Beef Is Bad—Plus, How to Keep It Safe – Real Simple

  

  www.realsimple.com

   

Remember: Proper handling and cooking of ground beef are crucial for ensuring food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses. If you have any concerns about the safety of ground beef, err on the side of caution and discard it.