The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is encouraging everyone to stay safe and healthy whilst preparing and eating food this summer.
As part of this year's National Food Safety Week 11-17 June the FDF want to highlight the dangers of outdoor cooking and how easy it is to consume food, particularly meat, that is undercooked.
Julian Hunt, FDF Director of Communications said: "Eating al fresco is a real treat and we all enjoy picnics and BBQs. Unfortunately we don't all take the same care ascooking outdoors as when we cook indoors. We all enjoy the summer, bugs especially, so it is important to take extra care when the weather heats up.
"When BBQ-ing it's very easy to let bangers and burgers burn on the outside, unaware that thet are still dangerously raw on the inside."
In an attempt to stop people putting their health at risk this summer the FDF have issued these guidelines:
-Cook poultry, burgers and sausages throughout - no pink bits in the middle. If possible, fully pre-cook all poultry and sausages in the microwave or oven then take it straight to the BBQ.
-During BBQ cooking turn the food often. If it starts to burn on the outside raise the grill height or reduce the heat on the charcoal.
-Light BBQs well in advance; make sure you use enough charcoal and wait until it's glowing red (with a powdery grey surface) before estarting to cook.
-Keep meats, salads and other perishable food in a cool bag with ice packs or in the fridge until just before you are ready to cook or eat them. Serve salads at the last minute.
Visit www.foodlink.org.uk for more information on how to eat safely this summer.