Janet Anderson, M.S., R.D., food safety expert and director of the Safe Food Institute, set out with her colleagues to uncover what people really do when preparing food in the home. The result was an eye-opening research study, "A Camera's View of Consumer Food-Handling Behaviors," that found many people were simply on "autopilot" when it came to food safety. The research participants didn't even realize they were forgetting important steps, such as washing hands after handling raw meat and before chopping fresh vegetables when preparing meals for family and friends.

"The good news is that America's food supply is safer than ever with the government reporting a decline in overall incidences of food-borne illness during the last few years. That's due to the hard work of America's beef producers. Each segment of the beef production chain has taken steps to keep food safe and they are committed to the fight against food-borne pathogens," said Anderson. "But there is still an opportunity for consumers to eliminate the potential for food-borne illness by playing an active role in food safety and being more conscious of food preparation habits."

One way to do this is by incorporating food safety tips directly onto recipe cards and in cookbooks. Some cookbooks are even available with safety tips already included in the recipes. The East Meets West Burger is a perfect example of a great-tasting summer recipe designed to keep your barbeque safe and delicious by including safety tips in the instructions.

For more grilling recipes and food safety tips brought to you by The Beef Checkoff, visit www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content