How to ensure food safety

And lifestyle conditions like obesity, hypertension and depression are no longer associated with the affluent urban dwellers. They now afflict the rich and the poor alike. PHOTO | FILE |

What you need to know:

  • Do not buy meat or fish that has an odd look or bad smell, eggs that have cracks or fruits whose skin is broken.

  • Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly under running water to remove any traces of dirt, chemical residues or bacteria.

  • Farm produce such as melons and carrots can be scrubbed using a clean produce brush.

You may be a wise shopper, read food labels before buying food products, and you are also an excellent cook.

However, have you thought of the safety of the food as you prepare and cook it?

Food safety is very important; proper methods of preparation, cooking and storage can help to protect you and your family from effects of food-borne illnesses and infections caused by bacteria.

Food safety is a combination of safety precautions, which include proper selection of foods in the market, proper storage, safe cooking and, ultimately, cleaning up after cooking.

This is how you can ensure that your kitchen and foods that you prepare in it are safe for consumption.

 Ensure the food you buy is fresh and check the ‘sell-by date’ to ensure it is still safe for consumption.

For refrigerated foods such as sausages and meat, put it in the trolley last and separate from other items. Put  refrigerated products in a cooler for freshness in case the drive to your home is long.

Do not buy meat or fish that has an odd look or bad smell, eggs that have cracks or fruits whose skin is broken.

Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly under running water to remove any traces of dirt, chemical residues or bacteria.

Farm produce such as melons and carrots can be scrubbed using a clean produce brush.

Hands are among the leading ways by which germs are spread. Wash them using soap and warm water before you start cooking, after handling raw food such as poultry and after using the toilet or touching the dustbin. Avoid touching your skin while handling food as you can easily transfer microorganisms to the food.

Designate different chopping boards for ready-to-eat foods such as vegetables and raw foods like meat to avoid cross-contamination. Avoid old chopping boards with cracks. Use different utensils for uncooked poultry, meat or eggs and for serving them when cooked.

Correct temperatures

When cooking, use the correct temperatures so that any harmful bacteria in the food can be destroyed. Any thawed meat or fish should be cooked immediately to prevent growth of bacteria.

For leftovers or food that you are not going to consume right away after cooking, cool it thoroughly under room temperature then store it in the refrigerator. Consume leftovers within two days and ensure to reheat them until they are steaming hot and do not reheat them more than one time.

Wash chopping boards thoroughly, separately from other utensils, using hot soapy water then rinse with plain water and leave it to air dry.

Wipe the kitchen counters and other open surfaces using hot soapy water and occasionally disinfect kitchen sinks and drains with cleaning solution to kill germs.

Following the above simple safety precautions can greatly lower risks of food-borne infections and diseases in your family.

Think safety!

Refrigeration tips: Some types of food, such as meat and dairy products, need refrigeration to prevent bacteria growth. Ensure the temperature of your fridge is at five degrees Celsius or less.

Store poultry and meat in separate plastic bags so that their juices do not leak to other foods in the fridge.

Do not store foods while hot as this can raise temperatures in the fridge and encourage growth of bacteria. Clean the refrigerator regularly to ensure that it stays hygienic; food particles build up over time and this can raise the risk of cross-contamination.

Following the above simple safety precautions can greatly lower risks of food-borne infections and diseases in your family. Think safety!