Grilling chicken food safety question

[Norm]

I'm sorry but that's just plain funny!

 

[Nvoges]

Question about tong usage. Same scenario but instead I use tongs to flip chicken after 20 minutes. So I need to wash the tongs after that use? Since it may be contaminated from the flip each time I use it I'm re-contaminating. Is that correct?

I always use metal tongs. Anytime they touch meat that hasn't been fully cooked they get a couple seconds close to the coals. I know they've the seen 165F at that point so they should be good to use throughout the remainder of the cook.

 

[BBQ Bacon]

I'm sure I'll get flamed for this, but when using tongs to first put the chicken on the grill, I will stick them into the flames for a few seconds before laying them on the side board. Then after each turn of the chicken I'll stick them through the grates for a few more seconds to "hopefully" kill off any lingering bacteria. Can't say I have ever wiped down the tongs between use and have been doing this for now on 30 years and haven't gotten sick from it.

 

[Mikhail]

Yep. I take mine in and wash them off after putting raw meat on.

 

[MisterChrister]

Call me a germophobe, but this kind of thinking makes me feel all warm and cozy. I'd eat from your kitchen any day, Bob!