By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterTUESDAY, July 1, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Cookouts on the Fourth of July aren’t just a tradition – they’re expected as part of a day of outdoor games, fireworks and fun. But a good cookout can turn bad if the potato salad or hamburgers carry a foodborne pathogen that makes friends and family sick, experts warn.

As summer grilling season heats up, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service reminds Americans to declare independence from foodborne illness this holiday season.

To help keep your celebration safe, the USDA recommends the following: Thaw Food Safely — Thaw frozen meat or seafood in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave. Cook immediately after using cold water or microwave methods. Treat all frozen products as raw, even if they appear cooked.