The Norwegian Institute of Public Health points out a common mistake made when barbecuing:
"If you use the same cutlery to both place and remove raw meat on the grill, it can be enough to cause E. Coli contamination. You should therefore use different cutlery for each."
I had already realized this, so I basically pretend that anything that touches meat has touched a piece of shit and needs to be washed appropriately. Also, until my hands are washed, they have also touched a piece of shit.
@thor
I follow the same logic. Only potential exception is knowing that the utensil you placed raw meat with gets properly sterilized in the course of cooking.
@thor Thank you Norwegian Institute of Public Health for helping me not feel overcautious switching (or washing) tongs halfway through!