World Food Safety Day was celebrated annually on June 7, and a reminder of the importance of food safety in protecting public health. Proper sanitation practices are essential to prevent foodborne illness and ensure the safety and health of the food we eat. This article outlines the best hygiene practices to help you maintain food safety and enjoy your meal with peace of mind.
1. Hand hygiene: The foundation of food safety starts with good hand hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling food. This includes before and after handling raw materials, using the toilet, touching pets or other activities that may contaminate your hands. Proper hand hygiene reduces the risk of harmful bacteria being transferred to the food you prepare.
2. Disinfect cooking surfaces: Keep cooking surfaces clean and disinfected. Regularly wash cutting boards, work tables, cutlery and other surfaces that come into contact with food. Remove visible dirt and debris with warm, soapy water, then disinfect with a diluted bleach solution or a suitable food disinfectant. This helps eliminate bacteria and prevent cross-contamination.
3. Safe food storage: Proper food storage is essential to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. Products that spoil quickly must be refrigerated immediately to preserve their freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 4°C. To avoid cross-contamination, keep raw meat, poultry and seafood separate from edible food. Check expiration dates regularly and discard any damaged or expired products.
4. Extensive cooking: Cooking food at the proper temperature is essential to kill harmful pathogens. Use a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry, fish and egg foods reach the recommended internal temperature. Avoid eating undercooked or raw foods, as they may contain bacteria or parasites that can cause illness. Cooking food carefully ensures that it is safe to eat.
5. Proper use of raw and cooked food: Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and cooked foods separate. Use different cutting boards, cutlery and plates to cut raw and cooked ingredients. Never use dishes or plates that have come into contact with raw meat, shellfish or poultry before washing them thoroughly. This prevents the transfer of harmful bacteria from raw food to cooked food.
6. Wash fruits and vegetables: Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating or cooking. It helps remove dirt, pesticides and potential pathogens. Even if you intend to peel or cook them, washing them will reduce the risk of contamination. For a stronger product, use a vegetable brush and make sure the water used for washing is safe.
7. Safe Thawing Practices: Though frozen foods safely prevent bacterial growth. Recommended methods are to defrost in the refrigerator, use cold running water or use a microwave defroster. Avoid thawing at room temperature as this allows bacteria to multiply. Plan ahead and defrost foods in advance to ensure safe and timely cooking.
8. Safe disposal of waste: Leftovers make delicious meals, but proper handling is important to avoid foodborne illness. Cool leftovers immediately in shallow containers to facilitate rapid cooling. Use them within two or three days and heat them to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) or higher to ensure that all bacteria are killed. Discard any leftovers that have been at room temperature for more than two hours.
9. Safe water and food sources: Make sure water used for cooking, drinking and washing dishes is safe. If you are concerned about tap water, use boiled or bottled water as a precaution. Buy food from reputable and reliable sources such as reputable grocers, farmers markets and licensed vendors. Be wary of food sold in unregulated or informal settings.
10. Stay informed and educate others: Stay up to date with the latest food safety advice from local health authorities or trusted sources. Stay up to date on food recalls and advisories to be aware of potential risks. Share your knowledge with family, friends and colleagues by promoting the importance of food safety and encouraging hygienic practices.
Let us come together and strengthen our commitment to food security and the well-being of ourselves and our loved ones. By following these best hygiene practices, we can prevent foodborne illness and maintain healthy and safe food. Remember that food safety is a collective effort and everyone’s actions contribute to a safer food environment. Together, we can create a culture of food safety and protect our communities from the dangers of contaminated food.