{"id":689154,"date":"2025-07-21T01:45:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T00:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/?p=689154"},"modified":"2025-07-21T10:15:45","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T09:15:45","slug":"brits-bbq-blunders-revealed-and-they-could-be-making-you-sick-warns-expert","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/brits-bbq-blunders-revealed-and-they-could-be-making-you-sick-warns-expert\/","title":{"rendered":"BRITS\u2019 BBQ BLUNDERS REVEALED \u2013 AND THEY COULD BE MAKING YOU SICK, WARNS EXPERT"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>BRITS\u2019 BBQ BLUNDERS REVEALED \u2013 AND THEY COULD BE MAKING YOU SICK, WARNS EXPERT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Nearly a third admit to risky BBQ habits \u2013 and 1 in 10 never clean their grill<\/p>\n<p>As BBQ season gets underway, new research from Oven Pride reveals just how grubby Britain\u2019s grills really are \u2013 and it\u2019s not a pretty picture.<\/p>\n<p>A poll of 2,000 UK adults found that nearly 1 in 5 (19.6%) admit to not cleaning their BBQ grill after every use, and even more worryingly around 1 in 10 (8.4%) never clean it at all. Meanwhile, 15% wrongly believe that &#8220;flames kill bacteria&#8221; all over a BBQ grill and more than 11% admit to putting food back on the grill after dropping it.<\/p>\n<p>To bust these dangerous myths, Oven Pride has partnered with Professor Chris Elliott, one of the UK\u2019s top food safety experts and founder of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen\u2019s University Belfast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA dirty grill is not a badge of honour or something to joke about \u2013 it could be a serious health risk,\u201d says Professor Elliott.<br \/>\n\u201cThe black deposits people think \u2018add flavour\u2019 are actually a mix of burnt food, grease and harmful chemical residues. They not only spoil the taste of your food but could also make you ill.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>SICKENING STATS: THE GRIMY TRUTH BEHIND BRITISH BBQS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-689158\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-21-095015.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"491\" height=\"627\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>31% don\u2019t check the internal temperature of BBQ meat.<\/li>\n<li>23.5% just scrape the grill \u2013 skipping a proper clean.<\/li>\n<li>14.8% don\u2019t cover food to keep insects off.<\/li>\n<li>13.6% admit to leaving cooked food out in the open.<\/li>\n<li>6.7% say they\u2019ve had food poisoning from a BBQ.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u201cThe belief that fire sterilises everything on a grill is a dangerous myth,\u201d says Professor Elliott.<br \/>\n\u201cSome bacteria \u2013 like E. coli or Salmonella \u2013 can survive on cooking surfaces if not cleaned properly. Worse still, grease build-up can cause flare-ups that burn your food or even start a fire.\u201d Backed by real stats and expert advice, Oven Pride\u2019s \u2019Grill with Pride\u2019 campaign aims to clean up the UK\u2019s BBQ game \u2013 literally.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith BBQs, the best flavour comes from the smoke, the heat, and the food \u2013 not last week\u2019s leftover burgers and bacon,\u201d adds Professor Elliott.<\/p>\n<p>Oven Pride makes BBQ cleaning effortless with its powerful no-scrub formula that cuts through grease and burnt-on grime \u2013 giving you a sparkling grill, without the stress.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCleaning your grill is the simplest way to ensure a safe, tasty summer \u2013 and as a bonus, you\u2019ll also avoid inviting pests into your garden,\u201d says Professor Elliott. \u201cYour barbecue comes into direct contact with food, just like your oven or frying pan. It deserves the same level of cleanliness.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>PROFESSOR ELLIOTT\u2019S TOP TIPS FOR A SAFER SUMMER BBQ<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-689160\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-21-095026.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"501\" height=\"626\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Clean it just like any other kitchen utensil \u2013 \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t fry an egg in a dirty pan, so don\u2019t cook your burgers on a filthy grill.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t trust the flames \u2013 \u201cHigh heat doesn\u2019t guarantee a clean surface. Bacteria can survive in cold spots or hidden grease.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t consume PAHs \u2013 \u201cBurnt residue can release very nasty chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to cancer when ingested regularly.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Use safe cleaning products \u2013 \u201cAvoid wire brushes that shed bristles. Instead, use effective degreasers like Oven Pride \u2013 they\u2019re designed to tackle the grime safely.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>TOP 10 BBQ MYTHS BRITS STILL BELIEVE \u2013 WITH STATS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-689156\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-21-094958.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"943\" height=\"634\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-21-094958.png 943w, https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-21-094958-615x413.png 615w, https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-21-094958-768x516.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 943px) 100vw, 943px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Flames kill all bacteria \u2013 15% believe this myth<\/li>\n<li>You don\u2019t need to clean the grill if you preheat it \u2013 Implied by 23.5% who only scrape their grill clean<\/li>\n<li>Char adds smoky flavour \u2013 Many confuse burnt carbon with flavour, which is actually tastes very bitter<\/li>\n<li>You can just \u201cburn it off next time\u201d \u2013 19.6% don\u2019t clean their grill after each use<\/li>\n<li>You only need to clean once a year \u2013 8.4% have never cleaned their BBQ<\/li>\n<li>Smoke \u201csterilises\u201d the grill \u2013 False assumption tied to lack of cleaning habits<\/li>\n<li>Reusing dirty utensils is fine \u2013 11.4% do it<\/li>\n<li>Dirty grills \u201cseason\u201d food \u2013 Culturally common but scientifically incorrect<\/li>\n<li>Dropped food is safe if cooked again \u2013 11.6% admit to this<\/li>\n<li>No need to check meat temperature \u2013 31% skip this crucial step<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>TOP 10 BBQ CLEANING BLUNDERS \u2013 WITH STATS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-689159\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-21-095020.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"413\" height=\"622\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Not checking meat temperature \u2013 31%<\/li>\n<li>Only scraping the grill, not cleaning it \u2013 23.5%<\/li>\n<li>Not cleaning grill after each use \u2013 19.6%<\/li>\n<li>Believing flames sanitize the grill \u2013 15%<\/li>\n<li>Not covering food from insects \u2013 14.8%<\/li>\n<li>Leaving cooked food exposed \u2013 13.6%<\/li>\n<li>Reusing tools and plates between raw and cooked food \u2013 11.4%<\/li>\n<li>Never cleaning the grill \u2013 8.4%<\/li>\n<li>Using dirty brushes\/tools \u2013 4.3%<\/li>\n<li>Not thawing frozen meat properly \u2013 5.1%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>BBQ CLEANING MYTHS \u2013 DEBUNKED BY PROFESSOR CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>1. Onions don\u2019t double as disinfectant. \u201cIt might smell nice and sizzle impressively on the grill, but<br \/>\nrubbing an onion won\u2019t shift baked-on grease or eliminate bacteria. You\u2019re seasoning the problem, not solving it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>2. Lemons belong in your drink \u2013 not your deep clean. \u201cYes, lemon is acidic. No, it\u2019s not powerful enough to cut through greasy buildup or kill harmful bacteria. A splash of citrus won\u2019t scrub your BBQ.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>3. Beer and cola are for guests, not grill scrubbing. \u201cPouring sugary drinks on your BBQ doesn\u2019t clean \u2013 it creates a sticky mess. The sugar can caramelise and attract pests such as wasps and ants. It\u2019s a recipe for a sticky, bug-filled disaster.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>4. Flames help, but they don\u2019t do it all. \u201cGrills don\u2019t heat evenly \u2013 there are cold spots and areas the flames never reach. So while high heat can burn off some residue, grease and bacteria often remain lurking in the cooler corners.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>5. That \u2018authentic BBQ flavour\u2019 might be burnt fat. \u201cWhat some call flavour is often just charred carbon and rancid grease. It\u2019s not smoky magic \u2013 it\u2019s a potential health risk. Hygiene first, flavour later.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>GRILL SAFE, GRILL SMART \u2013 WITH OVEN PRIDE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Oven Pride makes BBQ cleaning effortless with a complete range of products designed for both regular maintenance and deep-cleaning power.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Oven Pride Degreasing Spray:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This fast-acting degreasing spray is ideal for daily BBQ wipe-downs, helping to prevent stubborn grease and food buildup on BBQ lids, grill trays, and utensils. Originally formulated for ovens and kitchen appliances, it\u2019s also perfectly suited to outdoor cooking areas, including side shelves, tongs, and prep surfaces.<\/p>\n<p>The spray contains malodour-blocking technology to help eliminate lingering smells that may attract unwanted garden pests such as wasps, ants, mice and foxes\u2014a common issue when leftover food or grease is left outdoors.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Oven Pride Cleaning Kit:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For more intensive cleaning, the Oven Pride Cleaning Kit offers a deep-cleaning solution perfect for restoring BBQ grill racks. Simply place the grates in the included cleaning bag with the solution and leave to soak\u2014no scrubbing required. The powerful formula breaks down burnt-on carbon and grease, reviving your grill for the next cookout.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-689157\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-21-095005.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"941\" height=\"629\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-21-095005.png 941w, https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-21-095005-615x411.png 615w, https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-21-095005-768x513.png 768w, https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot-2025-07-21-095005-446x297.png 446w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 941px) 100vw, 941px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>BRITS\u2019 BBQ BLUNDERS REVEALED \u2013 AND THEY COULD BE MAKING YOU SICK, WARNS EXPERT Nearly a third admit to risky BBQ habits \u2013 and 1 in 10 never clean their grill As BBQ season gets underway, new research from Oven Pride reveals just how grubby Britain\u2019s grills really are \u2013 and it\u2019s not a pretty [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":689155,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-689154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-clubs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/689154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=689154"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/689154\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/689155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=689154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=689154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=689154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}