With more people preparing their own food at home, it’s essential to adhere to the right food safety standards to prevent food poisoning. If you are wondering how to achieve this, check out these 4 tips for safer, germ-free cooking.
4 Tips for Safer, Germ-Free Cooking
Food poisoning can cause long-term health effects. Below are useful tips to help you prevent harmful insects and bacteria from invading your food and kitchen.
Clean Your Kitchen Often
If you accidentally spill something while cooking dinner, clean it up immediately with your favorite vacuum cleaner to prevent kitchen germs. You can also mop the surface using a clean rag and hot water because it removes stains and kills germs quicker than cold water.
Additionally, clean your countertops and utensils before you begin cooking food with hot, soapy water. You can also add a diluted bleach solution to the water to remove stubborn stains. You can still use the bleach to clean your disposal, drain and sink to keep unpleasant odor at bay.
Refrigerate Food Properly
Freeze perishable food within two hours and within one hour if the outside temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, ensure your refrigerator is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacteria from multiplying.
Place leftovers in shallow containers and freeze properly to allow the food to cool quickly. Do not thaw food on the counter. Instead, do it in the refrigerator. Also, throw out spoiled food to prevent bacteria growth.
Cook Food to the Right Temperature
Food is cooked safely when the temperature is high to kill germs. This is critical because microorganisms present in raw meat can survive gently frying. You can only be sure that your meal is cooked safely using a food thermometer.
After cooking, keep your meals hot at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or above. If you are not serving it immediately, use a warming tray to keep it out of high temperatures. You should also microwave your meals thoroughly at 165 degrees Fahrenheit and follow cooking directions.
Avoid Cross Contaminating Food
Use different plates and chopping boards for seafood, raw meat, eggs, and vegetables. For instance, use different plates for raw and cooked food. Also, use one chopping board for vegetables that can be eaten raw and another one for seafood and raw meat.
Clean the chopping boards and the plates thoroughly with hot soapy water before using them again. You should also separate these foods in your shopping bag and place seafood and raw meat in plastic bags. At home, place them in containers or freeze them if you won’t be cooking them soon.
How to Keep Your Kitchen Germ-Free
A kitchen should be cleaned at all times to keep it free from bacteria so that your food is not contaminated with germs. Below are some cleaning tips to help you maintain hygiene.
- Ensure your kitchen is dry and well-ventilated: High levels of humidity and moisture are usually high in the kitchen and can encourage bacteria growth. To keep your kitchen dry, open your windows, or invest in a dehumidifier to minimize moisture content.
- Stick to a regular cleaning routine: Having a regular routine ensures you clean your entire kitchen thoroughly without missing some areas.
- Disinfect cleaning sponges: Since the sponges can harbor bacteria, it’s important to disinfect them using water and bleach to have a germ-free kitchen.
- Empty rubbish bins regularly: This is another excellent way to prevent bacteria growth. Use a clean cloth and hot soapy water to clean the bin and prevent illness.
Conclusion
Keep your kitchen clean at all times to prevent bacteria growth and getting ill due to food poisoning. A clean environment will also keep germs at bay so that you eat safe and healthy food.