Food contamination can happen at any point whether it is during harvesting preparation, processing or transport. Foodborne illnesses are common when hygiene practices that are not up to par are observed. According to the data released by World Health Organization, every year, foodborne illnesses cause nearly one-in-ten people to become sick. These illnesses can be fatal particularly in children.Souvy
There are a few fundamental guidelines to follow while dealing with food items:
Clean: Clean hands and other surfaces frequently.
Separate: Don’t cross-contaminate.
Cook: Cook to the appropriate temperature.
Chill: Cool immediately.
Clean: Wash your hands and surfaces regularly.
Hands should be cleaned thoroughly with soap prior to getting into contact with food. This will prevent the spread of germs from your hands onto the food. You must wash all your fruits and vegetables in cold water prior to making use of them. Countertops and kitchen surfaces are among the most important areas that if they are dirty could cause food contamination. They must be cleaned thoroughly, as well as the equipment used to prepare food.
If you’re sick or have cold or flu, it is important to be careful when cooking and handling food items. If someone experiences symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea or jaundice they must avoid working. If they are suffering from fever and sore throat it is recommended that they be prevented from cooking and serving food.This is alarming since those with these symptoms could transmitted disease to people who ate the food they served in their establishments. Martin Bucknavage, extension food-safety specialist says,”Foodborne pathogens like Norovirus, Hepatitis A and Shigella frequently are transmitted by employees who are sick to patrons of restaurants through food they consume.” These recommendations aren’t just for foodservice or retail establishments, but also for those cooking for family members, and those working in elder care or child care establishments. Hand soaps and tissue paper must be encouraged throughout all ages.
Separate: Don’t cross-contaminate.
To prevent cross-contamination, keep the raw and cooked food separate in the process of storing and cooking. Food items should be stored in sealed containers in the refrigerator and place raw poultry and meats in the lower part of the fridge to prevent the juices from contaminating food stored on shelves below. Do not put cooked meat back on the same plate that the cooked meat was placed on.
Cook: Cook to the appropriate temperature.
If you consume fish, poultry, or other meats, be cautious when cooking them. They must be cooked thoroughly and at the right temperatures prior to consumption. To confirm this you are eating the right meat, put a skewer in the middle of the beef and ensure that there isn’t any pink meat. The juices should be clear. These are signs of cooked meat that is well. If meat that is raw is consumed, it may result in food poisoning.
In the last few years, microwaves have been used in kitchens to cook and heat food items. It is possible to wrap your food with food wrapper with a high-quality and prevents foods from becoming dry during the process of reheating. Be sure that the food you have reheated is hot as well as the steam is flowing out. This means you’ve completely eliminated the threat of bacteria or other pathogens.
Chill: Cool immediately.
If you plan planning to store your food raw in the refrigerator, wrap it in food wrap paper, which absorbs moisture and prevent the dripping of juices. Also, ensure that it is kept at a temperature that is less than 5 degrees Celsius. It will help protect your family from food poisoning while at home. Cold temperatures can slow the development of illness-causing bacteria. Therefore, it is important to cool food quickly and correctly. Food items that are perishable should be refrigerated within two hours.
Good hygiene and healthy eating habits can help prevent a variety of food-borne illnesses. This should be embedded throughout your day-to-day life and taught to children as well. Small steps can make a huge difference and can make a huge difference to your overall health.