Hygiene is a primary ingredient for food safety in the kitchen. That is because several factors can cause bacteria spread and contamination, contributing to food poisoning. A recent study also suggests a crisis, as a quarter of the U.S.w population suffers from food poisoning annually. Fortunately, there are a few good practices you can follow to reduce the risks in your kitchen. Below are some kitchen hygiene tips to prevent food poisoning and keep your family safe.
Avoid strong perfume
Although strong perfumes and colognes can be pleasant, they can also affect your food. This is even more likely if you’re cooking up something with lots of fat, as those fragrance particles can sneak in and taint the flavor. So, when you’re getting ready to whip up a storm in the kitchen, it’s best to skip the heavy scents. Instead, keep it light and natural and let the food’s aroma take over your kitchen.
Wash your hands
Hand washing is the golden rule of kitchen hygiene and can help prevent food poisoning. You only need to grab some antibacterial soap, heat some warm water, and wash your hands vigorously. This simple act is your best defense against any contaminants lurking around. Wash your hands before touching any food or after you’ve handled anything raw, like meat or eggs. It’s also best to do this after cleaning up, after using the bathroom, or even after you sneeze. Always remember a quick rinse is not enough. You have to go at least twenty seconds, covering every part from the front to the back and in between your fingers. Those extra few seconds could save you a lot of trouble.
Dry your hands
After a good wash, your hands will be looking squeaky clean. However, it doesn’t end there, as you have to dry them before touching anything. This way, you avoid wet floors or accidents when handling sharp knives or hot pots. So, grab a clean towel or cloth and give your hands a good rubdown. You may reach for some disposable paper towels if that’s more convenient for you. You can also explore eco-friendly options like a hand dryer so you can reduce the number of paper towels you use.
Remove jewelry
It’s nice to have your jewelry on at all times, especially if it’s a souvenir from the honeymoon or a gift from a special person. However, you might want to leave it off when you’re preparing those culinary masterpieces. As much as you love your rings and bracelets, they can be a bit of a hazard in the kitchen, posing a risk if they fall into your dish without you noticing. Plus, all that sparkle could hide some not-so-sparkly gems. So, when you are getting down to business in the kitchen, it’s best to leave your precious pieces behind to avoid any contamination.
Keep your kitchen pest-free
Keeping your kitchen pest-free can help you prevent many potential food poisoning incidents. Pests like insects and rodents can’t resist the temptation of a tasty aroma and meal, and they’ll sneak into your kitchen any chance they get. For this reason, you want to take steps to keep your food from the reach of these unwelcome guests. By staying on top of your cleanliness by regularly cleaning and sealing up any potential entry points, you can send these pests packing. From wiping down counters to taking out the trash promptly, every little bit helps in keeping those pesky creatures at bay. You can also check online for DIY ways to deal with any pest infestation. For instance, here’s how to get rid of German cockroaches if you have an infestation problem and ensure your kitchen stays pest-free.
Make your kitchen a smoke-free zone
The scent and smoke produced by smoking cigarettes can contaminate your hands and clothes, which in turn has the potential to contaminate the food you handle afterward. A key part of having good personal hygiene is ensuring that you remove any protective clothing that you’re wearing before leaving the kitchen to go and smoke, and then thoroughly wash your hands afterward before touching any ingredients. It would be best to keep your smoke a safe distance from the kitchen so it will be unlikely that any will get into the food preparation area.
Keep food at a safe temperature
Microorganisms love to multiply, but you can slow them down by keeping food at a safe temperature. Make sure your fridge is at an optimum temperature of below 5 degrees, and don’t forget to give it a regular check with a thermometer. When it comes to leftovers, it’s advisable to place them in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. And if you’re reheating, aim for a toasty 60 degrees to kill any lingering germs. Remember, leftovers are best kept for just a couple of days, so don’t let them overstay in the fridge for more than 2 to 3 days. Keeping your food at a safe temperature will help ensure it’s fresh and safe for you and your family to consume.
Cover wounds
Covering up any wounds you have is a crucial kitchen safety tip. If you have any cuts or scrapes on your hands, it’s super important to keep them under wraps. Even if it’s just a tiny nick, those little openings can still harbor some germs that you don’t want anywhere near your food. So grab some plasters or dressing and make sure your wounds stay safely covered. It is even better to wear some disposable gloves to keep your dressing snug as a bug and away from your food. Just remember to change them regularly to keep things squeaky clean.
Separate raw and cooked food
Raw foods can pack a punch with disease-causing microbes, and the last thing you want is for them to have any contact with your ready-to-eat goodies. That’s why it’s vital to keep them separate. Whether it’s in the fridge or on the countertop, ensure those raw and cooked foods steer clear of each other to avoid any unwanted mix. When it comes to chopping and slicing, give each type of food its own special treatment – different utensils, different cutting boards, and so on. It might even help to color-code them to keep things simpler.
Avoid over-packing your fridge
We all love to fill up with goodies, but overpacking your fridge can lead to serious food safety issues. For example, when you cram too much stuff in there, the air can’t circulate properly, and that can cause some parts of your fridge to not stay cool enough. When food isn’t chilled properly, bacteria can start to form and multiply, leading to potential food poisoning down the road. So, next time you’re packing your groceries, remember to give them some breathing room.
Avoid cooking when unwell
If you’re feeling under the weather, it’s best to sit out the kitchen action for a bit. Some illnesses can be transferred via your breath and end up in the meals you’re preparing. So, if you’re unwell, give your partner a heads-up and try to steer clear of cooking until you feel fully fit. This step is even more crucial if you have a stomach bug, as those germs can spread like wildfire and cause an outbreak if left unchecked. So, do yourself and your family a favor and take a breather for at least 48 hours after those stomach bug symptoms fade away.
The above tips will help ensure your kitchen is always hygienic, providing a safe space to cook and enjoy your favorite meals.
