Infographic: Ad Council, USDA, USDHHS

File this under "summer bummers": Incidents of food poisoning tend to surge during hamburger-and-hot-dog-months because bacteria multiply faster in warm temperatures, says the USDA. And for those of us who think we're in the clear because we always make sure our ground beef is dark and toasty before taking off the grill, the agency's research shows that 1 out of every 4 hamburgers turns brown before it has reached a safe internal temperature.

But don't let this news douse your BBQ enthusiasm: there are some easy steps you can take to keep yourself and your guests healthy at your July 4th get-together. The USDA and the US Department of Health and Human Services have teamed up with the Ad Council to produce this Independence Day-themed infographic with  the most important steps to handling and serving summertime party food: clean, separate, cook (the food thermometer is key) and chill. (In addition to the helpful advice, we also appreciate that the George Washington character appears to be holding either a teensy tri-corner hat, or a very well-done steak stolen from the grill...).

Keep reading:
Cooking safely with turkey