North Dakota State University -- NDSU Agriculture Communication
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo ND, 58105-5655, Tel: 701-231-7881, Fax: 701-231-7044
agcomm@ndsuext.nodak.edu

October 2, 2003

 

Hunters Need To Remember Safety In The Kitchen

Many hunters know that being safe on the hunt is important. But they also need to be careful in the kitchen, says a North Dakota State University Extension Service food and nutrition specialist.

Wild game is a wholesome, nourishing food that is an excellent alternative to the everyday routine, according to Julie Garden-Robinson. "Nutritionally, wild game is as good a source of protein as the meat of domestic animals. There are many ways of cooking and handling game to make the meal more enjoyable."

Like other high-protein foods, wild game, birds and fish must be handled carefully in the kitchen, Garden-Robinson says. Bacteria and other microorganisms can easily be spread through a kitchen by unwashed hands, equipment or mishandled food. To reduce risk of foodborne illness, follow these food safety rules:

  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water before beginning to work and after changing tasks.
  • Start with clean equipment. After using, clean equipment thoroughly with hot soapy water.
  • After washing cutting boards, other equipment and surfaces, sanitize with a solution of one teaspoon of chlorine bleach per four cups of water. Allow to air dry.
  • Keep raw meat separate from other foods on cutting boards and other work surfaces.
  • If using frozen meat in sausage formulations, thaw in a refrigerator at 40 degrees or below.
  • Keep meat as cold as possible during sausage preparations.
  • Use a food thermometer to measure internal temperature of smoked meat and other preserved meat, and also doneness in cooked meat.
  • Use a pressure canner (not a water bath canner) when canning game meat and fish. Dial gauge pressure canners should be calibrated yearly.
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    For more information food safety in the kitchen contact your county extension office or visit the new "Wild Game Resources" Web site at http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/food.htm

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    Source: Julie Garden-Robinson, (701) 231-7187, jgardenr@ndsuext.nodak.edu
    Writer:     Stephanie Renner, (701) 231-8371, srenner@ndsuext.nodak.edu
    Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu