Are you a neat freak who keeps your house neat and clean? Well, it may be clean, but when it comes to the kitchen, a double check is necessary because that is where bacteria frequently develop due to carelessness in food handling and hygiene levels in the kitchen.
We all have the right to safe food, and the system must produce safe food to ensure the long-term health of society, the economy, and the environment. Local actions are critical for long-term development in the food safety world.
These are some of the most basic food safety rules that you should follow in your kitchen if you want to live a healthier life.
Wash your hands
When it comes to the kitchen, hygiene is extremely important, and the first step in this direction is proper and consistent hand washing before and after preparing food. Before handling food, it is recommended that you wash your hands in warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Also, to ensure hygiene, make sure your kitchen counter is disinfected every day.
Refrigerator temperature
Don’t be concerned if your deep freezer produces an excessive amount of ice; it is beneficial to your food and meats. Extreme cold temperatures have been shown to slow the growth of bacteria. Your refrigerator should be kept at a temperature of less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Food is not stored well
We frequently forget to store leftovers or even freshly cooked food in the refrigerator. Food left out on the counter, according to experts, should be monitored. If the food is left outside for more than two hours, or even one hour, and the temperature rises above 32 degrees Celsius, it is no longer safe to eat. As a result, it is recommended that perishable foods be refrigerated to avoid damage.
Reheating food
When reheating leftovers, make sure they reach a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. According to research, this is the temperature at which heat kills all potentially harmful bacteria that can grow in leftover food if it is not stored properly.
Right chopping board and knife
Many people find this tedious, but keeping the chopping board and knife separate prevents bacteria from transferring from one food item to another. The knife and board used for dry fruits should never be used for meat, vegetables, or other foods. For convenience, label them or use a colour code. Also, remember to wash knives and cutting boards after each use.
Defrosting food correctly
We have a bad habit of leaving meat and vegetables to defrost on the counter. The proper way to defrost food is to microwave it or immerse it in cold water. Avoid leaving frozen foods out on the counter to defrost. According to experts, while the outer portion will be ready for use after some time, the inside will still be frozen, and cooking such food items can result in long-term illness.
Last Updated on August 17, 2021
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