There's an app for summer grilling

WASHINGTON, May 27 (UPI) -- As the summer cookout season begins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds grillers a food thermometer may be their most essential piece of equipment.

"We want Americans to know that simple food safety steps can make cookouts and picnics worry-free for hosts," Dr. Elisabeth Hagen, USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety, says in a statement. "A food thermometer and our virtual food safety representative, Ask Karen, may be the most important ingredients for families and friends hosting events throughout the year."

USDA's virtual representative, Ask Karen, allows anyone to ask food safety-related questions 24 hours a day via Ask Karen at AskKaren.gov. Consumers can also call USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline, or 1-888-674-6854, where recorded messages are available 24 hours a day and the hotline is staffed with food safety experts, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT.

Ask Karen is available as an app for an iPad, iPhone, or Android mobile device, so it's available at grocery store, at the barbecue grill, or wherever the cook may have food safety questions. Go to m.AskKaren.gov on your mobile device's browser, or download the app for free from the Android and iTunes app stores.