Safely prepare and handle minced beef

Minced beef is a staple in many families diets. Whether you enjoy eating it as part of a casserole, wrapped in pastry, or shaped into burgers for the grill, it’s important to always observe basic food safety guidelines.

Knowing how to properly prepare and handle minced beef can help you to avoid contamination and stay clear of food-borne illnesses.

Choosing your minced beef

People often forget that when they are shopping for minced beef, it is one of the items that they should add to their shopping trolley towards the very end of their trip. The later that you can pick up beef, the better, as this will ensure it doesn’t go too long without proper refrigeration. Always select a package that feels cold to the touch, preferably from the back of the refrigerator, and has a reasonable expiration date.

Whenever you purchase any perishable foods product such as minced beef, make sure that you return straight home from the store and place your meat into the refrigerator is quickly as possible.

Preparation and handling

If you have frozen your minced beef, it will need to be properly thawed before cooking. Make sure that you allow the meat to defrost within the refrigerator rather than simply leaving it on your kitchen counter.

Next, ensure that you cook the meat thoroughly to ensure that it is safe to eat. Never eat raw minced beef in any form and refrain from eating rare burgers that have not been brought to the appropriate temperature in the centre. This can be tested using a meat thermometer.

Minced beef can be prepared in numerous ways, from cooking in the oven, to on the grill, or even in the microwave. However, whichever option you choose, it’s important you ensure that all parts of the meat are cooked to completion.

If you have leftovers that you intend to eat later, make sure that you refrigerate these items within two hours to keep them safe for consumption.