People who have a BBQ told to turn it on for '15 minutes' this weekend

James Rodger

8 May 2024 at 8:02 am·2-min read

People who have a barbecue in their garden have been warned to act this weekend and give their appliance a good, thorough clean. As the warmer weather arrives in the UK this weekend, it's time to dust off the barbecue, gather friends and family, and fire up the grill for some outdoor feasting.

But before you dive into the sizzling excitement, it's crucial to give your barbecue a thorough cleaning to ensure you enjoy your meal without risking foodborne illnesses like Salmonella and E. coli. Both can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Food safety expert, Jabraan Ahmed from meat suppliers, Saffron Alley provided a step-by-step guide to getting your BBQ in top shape for the season. Ahmed explained: "A dirty barbecue can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful germs. Leftover grease and food debris from previous cookouts can harbor bacteria, which can contaminate fresh food. Additionally, carbon buildup can affect the taste of your food and impact the grill's performance."

People will need a stiff-bristle grill brush (preferably brass or stainless steel), mild dish soap, baking soda and white vinegar, rubber gloves, bucket, microfiber cloth or sponges and toothpicks or wire for burner cleaning (for gas grills). Ahmed went on: "Remove any excess debris from the grates with a stiff brush.

"If your grill is gas, turn the burners to high for 10-15 minutes to burn off excess grease. For charcoal grills, empty the ashes and dispose of them properly. Let the grill cool down slightly but remain warm. Using the grill brush, scrub away burnt residue. Alternatively, remove the grates entirely and soak them in warm, soapy water before scrubbing.

"For stubborn buildup, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the grates, and scrub after 10 minutes. With the grates removed, scrape the interior walls to clear out grease buildup. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth dipped in warm, soapy water. For gas grills, check the burner tubes for clogs and clean with a toothpick or wire.

"Use warm, soapy water or a vinegar solution to wipe down the lid and exterior surfaces. Polish with a microfiber cloth to restore the shine."

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