What better way to celebrate than by safely preparing and cooking delicious hot dogs!
If they are not cooked and handled properly, hot dogs carry the potential to be contaminated by the dangerous foodborne bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes.
The CDC estimates that Listeriosis causes about 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths in the U.S. annually. The infection is most likely to sicken pregnant people and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older, and people with weakened immune systems. Pregnant people are especially at serious risk, since Listeriosis can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.
Here's how you can enjoy hot dogs and protect yourself from food poisoning this summer:- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after handling raw hot dogs.
- Avoid cross-contamination of raw hot dog juices on cooking utensils, food prep surfaces, or other items in the fridge.
- Refrigerate hot dogs immediately after purchasing, for up to 2 weeks unopened, or no more than 1 week after opening.
- Use an appliance thermometer to make sure your refrigerator is cooled at 40 °F or below.
- Cook hot dogs until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F on a digital food thermometer or until steaming hot just before serving.
