Foods are regulated by firm safety laws throughout the chain of food production; once you purchase the food however, the responsibility is in your hands. Once you bring food home, maintaining a safe kitchen is important to prevent both illness and injury.
Below are 7 of the best tips for a clean and safe kitchen:
1. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables. Use water to remove any dirt and contaminants before cooking or eating. Then dry with a clean towel to remove moisture, which could appeal to bacteria if the food isn’t consumed right away.
2. Keep juice from raw meat, poultry, and fish away from other food. Prevent cross-contamination by using separate utensils, cutting boards, and plates when preparing these foods. This type of contamination can lead to the spread of foodborne illnesses.
3. Change towels and dishcloths often. Damp towels and rags can attract bacteria that may prevent disease. Make sure to wash them in the hot cycle of your washer and dry them completely.
4. Wash your hands. This is a tip that cannot be stressed enough. Bacteria can be easily spread from your hands to your food making it unsafe. Be sure to wash your hands before food preparation, after you touch raw foods, and when you switch to working with another ingredient.
5. Keep an eye on food temperatures. Purchase a food thermometer to check that foods are cooked thoroughly. When checking temperatures of meat, make sure it is at the thickest part of the meat and not close to fat or bone.
6. Handle knives safely. Store knives in a proper knife holder and avoid leaving them in places that are hard to see. Also, make sure they are sharpened because dull knives are more dangerous to use and handle than sharp ones.
7. Thaw foods in the refrigerator, not the counter. Avoid thawing foods out on the countertop because bacteria are able to prosper at room temperature. It is best to thaw foods on a plate or in a bag in order to collect the juices and avoid a mess.
Don’t forget to use these 7 tips to keep your kitchen safe!
Assistance by Morgan Hoover
