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Bacteria is the hidden enemy in every kitchen, but you can take steps to prevent it. By following some simple rules you can stop this hidden contaminant from invading your foods.
1. Cleanliness is next to godliness:
- Wash your hands before handling food
- Wash the surfaces you prepare food on, utensils, dishes
- Use plastic cutting boards and wash thoroughly after each and every use.
- Use paper towels to clean up when possible. If you use cloths, wash them in hot cycle after every use.
2. Keep foods separate:
- Store raw meat, poultry and seafood in separate areas from other foods in the shopping cart and at home in the refrigerator.
- Use a different cutting board for your raw meat products
- Do not place cooked food on the same plate previously used for uncooked foods
3. Thoroughly cook foods:
- Follow preparation instructions for foods closely
- Use a clean thermometer to measure the internal temperature
- Be sure foods are cooked all the way through
- If using a microwave, be sure there are no cold spots. Results are best when foods are covered and rotated during cooking.
4. Keep foods refrigerated:
- freeze or refrigerate prepared foods, leftovers, and perishables
- Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, under water, or in the microwave. Never at room temperature.
It is impossible to eliminate bacteria from your kitchen. However, by keeping clean, handling foods wisely, and storing foods properly, you can keep your food and your kitchen from bacterial infection.
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