Released June 26, 2009
MOSCOW, Idaho —- It’s burger season. Do you know how hot the inside of your hamburger patty is?
It should be 160 degrees Fahrenheit, says Courtney Staszak, one of two University of Idaho graduate students who are helping deliver that message this summer through independent Associated Food Stores in Idaho, northern Nevada and eastern Oregon. A number of AFS’ 113 stores will be participating in a U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded educational campaign by placing information- and thermometer-packed displays in their meat departments between the Fourth of July and Labor Day. In addition to the University of Idaho and Associated Food Stores, project partners include Washington State University and the Idaho Beef Council.
“Color isn’t a sure sign of doneness,” said Staszak. “The only way to make sure that burgers reach a safe temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit is to use a food thermometer.”
The “160°F for Your Family” display includes food safety information, easy-to-use dial and digital thermometers, and recipe cards for garlic ranch, Greek and Mexican burgers. Jerry Tingey, Pocatello-based meat department specialist for Associated Food Stores, said it “helps educate the consumer so they understand the importance of cooking their meat thoroughly.”
Currently, research indicates that less than 15 percent of the U.S. population uses thermometers when cooking beef, notes Staszak. Working under the supervision of Sandra McCurdy, University of Idaho associate professor and Extension food safety specialist, Staszak said consumers who are selecting and purchasing meat items at grocery store meat counters are the most feasible audience for education about food thermometers and are apt to be open to information about cooking meat safely.
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Sources: Courtney Staszak, (208) 885-9492, (775) 340-2257, cstaszak@vandals.uidaho.edu
Sandra McCurdy, (208) 885-6972, smccurdy@uidaho.edu
Writer: Marlene Fritz, 208-364-6165, mfritz@uidaho.edu
