Memorial Day weekend can often be the kickoff to the summer grilling season for some, and a University of Illinois Extension Nutrition Educator has some reminders to make sure those meals or gatherings don't turn sour.
Making sure you have cooking zones and food preparation zones can be key to keeping foodborne illnesses from becoming a factor, says Caitlin Mellendorf, University of Illinois Extension Nutrition Educator.
Mellendorf also stresses the importance of clean cooking surfaces - especially indoors - as well as having clean utensils. Washing those surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water is the best practice.
Cooking food to its proper, recommended temperatures is a must. Mellendorf says a food thermometer is a great tool, and it can be as simple or as high-tech as you want.
The USDA reports a 3.2% increase for food-at-home in 2025 and specific spikes in beef -- 8.6% higher than 2024-- and eggs. A 2023 Axios report noted inflation driving up barbecue costs, a trend continuing into 2025.
