If you’re thinking of having your family and friends over for a cookout, follow these instructions to reduce the risk of contamination and enjoy the moment to the fullest.
Transporting the carcass
The carcass used for a spit roast must be prepared by a slaughterhouse, charcuterie shop, custom butchering service or retail butcher.
The carcass should be transported and stored at temperatures between 0°C and 4°C to prevent bacterial growth. If you do not have a refrigeration unit, use a cooler. The ice will keep the carcass at the right temperature for a few hours.
Preparing food for a spit roast
Certain measures must be taken to make sure that your meat and side dishes are safe to eat.
Cooked or ready-to-eat food must not come into contact with raw meat, nor with utensils used to prepare raw meat unless the utensils have been washed and disinfected. Remember to wash your hands properly.
If you are preparing cold side dishes, like a macaroni salad or a dip, keep them at a temperature between 0°C and 4°C until you are ready to serve them. If needed, put them in their containers on a bed of ice while serving.
If you are preparing hot side dishes, like sauces or cooked vegetables, keep them at a temperature above 60°C until you are ready to serve them. Use a hot plate if needed.
Cooking meat safely
Cooking kills harmful bacteria that occur in raw food that comes from animals.
