by Melissa Roe

Created on: May 30, 2009   Last Updated: May 31, 2009

Is grilling dangerous to your health?

Recently, the media has disclosed information stating that grilling is dangerous to your health. In some cases, it may pose certain health risks. As with any cooking method, proper preparation techniques make a world of difference in making sure what you eat is healthy.

Eating meats cooked at a high temperature, or meats that have black charring, is said to create a higher risk of cancer. Heat from the grill can react with the amino acids, or proteins, found in the muscle tissue of the meat, creating a possible carcinogen, or cancer causing, substance. One way to avoid this chemical reaction is to marinate your meats before you grill them, and cook them at a lower temperature. Avoid eating any meats that are charred or undercooked. This chemical compound is found on the outer layers of the meat, so by removing the charring from the meat, you are reducing your potential health risk.

As with any preparation of foods, you must follow food safety guidelines while storing, preparing, and cooking foods on the grill.

* Store your meats separately from other foods.

* Keep meats at the correct temperatures in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.

* Wash your hands before and after handling meats to prevent cross contamination.

* Use different utensils to cut your meat than you would use to cut your vegetables and fruits.

* Clean up any spills from meat packages with an antibacterial cleaning solution with a disposable paper towel when possible. If you have to use a regular sponge or dishtowel, make sure that you immediately wash and disinfect it after it is soiled with juices and bloods from meat.

* Use a clean plate when you take the meat off of the grill, not the plate that you used to carry the raw meat to the grill.

Make sure that your grill is always clean before you cook on it. Food debris that is left from prior use can contain bacteria that can be spread and cause illness. Food particles can also attract rodents that carry disease. The last thing you want is to cook on a surface that has been trampled by mice. These rodents can also leave behind waste which can be harmful to your health.

Before you take your meat out of the refrigerator, start your grill, close the lid, and allow the grill to heat up for about 10 minutes. This will also help to clean up the left over oil or grease from previous use. Use a clean wire brush to scrape off the grating, and make sure that it is clean and ready to be cooked on.

Once your meat has made its way to the grill, cook it at a lower temperature, and flip it often. This will help to avoid the chemical reaction and reduce charring.

Follow these few simple guidelines and grilling won't be dangerous to your health.

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