Food safety is a top priority for any household, as unsafe food handling practices can lead to foodborne illnesses and severe health consequences. This blog post will discuss simple tips for ensuring food safety at home and keeping your family healthy.
Cleanliness is Key
One of the most essential steps in maintaining food safety is a clean and sanitary environment in your kitchen. Preparing foods on unclean surfaces leaves the door open for bacteria growth which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling any food, and wash all cooking surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water before and after each use.
Keep Your Food at Safe Temperatures
Proper temperature control is crucial to preventing the growth of harmful bacteria in food. Keep your refrigerator set at a temperature of 40 °F or below and your freezer at 0 °F or below. When preparing food, keep perishable items such as meat, poultry, and dairy products refrigerated until they are ready to be cooked.
Cook whole muscle cuts of pork, such as chops and roasts to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F with a 4-minute rest before carving.
Kimberly Baker, ©2020, Clemson Extension
Cook Food Thoroughly
Cooking food to the correct temperature is essential for killing harmful bacteria and preventing foodborne illness. Some foods can appear done but aren’t done at all. Using a food thermometer to ensure that meat, poultry, and fish are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature (165 °F for poultry, 145 °F for beef and pork, and 145 °F for fish) is imperative when cooking and reheating foods. When reheating leftovers, check the watts on your microwave to ensure your food is reheated.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria from one food item is transferred to another, potentially contaminating it. To prevent cross-contamination, use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat, poultry, and seafood, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling these items.
Follow Proper Food Storage Guidelines
Proper food storage is essential for preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. Store perishable items such as meat, poultry, and dairy products in the refrigerator or freezer. Keep dry goods such as flour and cereal in airtight containers to prevent pests and moisture from contaminating them.
Food safety is an essential aspect of keeping your family healthy. By following these simple tips for cleanliness, temperature control, cooking, avoiding cross-contamination, and proper food storage, you can ensure your food is safe and delicious!
Reference:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, August 5). Four steps to Food Safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 22, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/keep-food-safe.html
