Eat burgers, not hockey pucks with this handy gadget

A Food Thermometer is the easiest way to know when your burger is done

TORONTO, June 19, 2014 /CNW/ - Canada Beef and the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education have launched a campaign to save Canadians from eating hockey pucks this summer.

"All too often the humble hamburger is cooked beyond tasty recognition," says Joyce Parslow, a professional home economist with Canada Beef. "A food thermometer is a quick and very effective way of knowing just when your burger is done.  There is no more guessing, which means hockey pucks can stay on the ice and burgers can be enjoyed all summer long."

The two groups are encouraging Canadians to share a photo of themselves at the grill (or in the kitchen) using their trusty thermometer to determine burger or steak doneness and share the picture in social media using the hashtag #ThelfieCA (a combination of Thermometer and Selfie).

"A food thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking," says Brenda Watson, Executive Director for the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education.  "By following the temperature guidelines for everything from steaks to chops, you'll be the King or Queen of the grill!"

For beef burgers, the most popular item on Canadian grills in the summer, Parslow suggest remembering this little jingle, "your burger is done at 71!"  (That's 71 C or 160 F).  Temperature guidelines for all foods can be found at befoodsafe.ca.

Here are some other handy tips:

• For burgers and steaks or chops, insert your thermometer sideways into the meat
• To make the perfect Canadian beef burgers, visit makeitbeef.ca
• Using a thermometer is easy. Use when you're barbecuing burgers, poultry pieces, steaks, sausages, chops and more. Use for Oven Roast Beef, so you know your roast is not overcooked.
• You won't be ruining good cuts of meat by overcooking or by cutting them open to check doneness.
• Colour or appearance of meat and meat juices are not reliable indicators of safe doneness
• Research indicates that a beef burger may be brown in centre before it reaches a safe temperature or it could remain pink even after proper cooking.
• Digital instant read or programmable thermometers are the best value in thermometers since they can be used in all foods, even casseroles.
• Thermometers can cost between $10 and $30
• Available at Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Zehrs, and affiliated stores in the housewares section or with barbecue supplies
• Use in all foods – burgers, chicken pieces, roasts, casseroles or whole birds.

Want to test out your new knowledge? Give these Asian Beef Burgers a try!

The Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education (the Partnership) is a national association of public and private organizations committed to educating Canadians about the ease and importance of food safety and safe food handling practices at home. More at befoodsafe.ca

Canada Beef is the cattle producer-funded and run organization responsible for domestic and international beef and veal market development.  It has offices in Canada, Mexico, Japan, China, and Taiwan.  Canada Beef works to foster loyalty to the Canadian beef brand and build strong relationships with trade customers and partners.  These efforts increase demand for Canadian beef and veal and value producers receive for their cattle.

Video with caption: "Video: This video demonstrates how easy it is to use a food thermometer. Helping you take the guesswork out of cooking.". Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLvRKKKLhTA

Image with caption: "When grilling your Canadian beef burgers this summer, remember "your burger's done at 71!" (CNW Group/Canada Beef Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140619_C2109_PHOTO_EN_3707.jpg

Image with caption: "All dressed up with one of the Terrific Toppers featured in this recipe for Asian Beef Burgers and these beef burgers make a most memorable meal! (CNW Group/Canada Beef Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140619_C2109_PHOTO_EN_3708.jpg

SOURCE: Canada Beef Inc.

Brenda Watson, Executive Director, Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]