10 Common Food Safety Errors You Should Steer Clear Of

10 Common Food Safety Errors You Should Steer Clear Of

Ensuring food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses hinge on maintaining strong food hygiene practices. Even for those who’ve completed Food Hygiene and Safety Training, it’s easy to overlook the basics of food safety during everyday cooking. Whether you’re in a professional kitchen or at home, avoiding these common mistakes can lead to a safer and healthier food environment.

1. Not Washing Hands Properly
One of the simplest yet often overlooked actions is washing hands the right way. Many think a quick rinse is enough, but effective handwashing means using soap and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. This is crucial before cooking and after handling raw ingredients like meat, poultry, or seafood. If not done properly, it can lead to the spread of harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. To avoid this, make sure to wash hands with soap for 20 seconds, especially after handling raw meats or using the restroom, and dry hands with a clean towel or air dryer.

2. Cross Contamination Between Raw and Cooked Food
Cross contamination happens when bacteria from raw food gets onto cooked or ready-to-eat items. This usually occurs from using the same utensils or cutting boards without cleaning them properly in between uses. To prevent this, always use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other foods, and clean all surfaces, knives, and utensils after contact with raw food.

3. Ignoring Expiry Dates
It’s easy to forget about expiry dates, but eating food past its expiration can be harmful. Expiry dates help indicate when food is no longer safe. To avoid this mistake, always check the expiry date before using any product, and rotate your fridge and pantry stock to use older items first.

4. Incorrect Food Storage Temperatures
Not storing food at the right temperature is a common mistake that allows bacteria to grow. Bacteria thrive between 5°C and 63°C, so make sure perishable food is refrigerated promptly and kept below 5°C. To prevent storage mistakes, set your fridge below 5°C and refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.

5. Thawing Food at Room Temperature
People often thaw frozen food on the counter, which can lead to bacteria growth as the outer part warms up but the inside remains frozen. To avoid this, thaw food in the fridge overnight, under cold running water, or in the microwave, and never leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.

6. Neglecting Personal Hygiene
While focusing on food itself is important, personal hygiene of the cook is equally critical. Contaminants can be introduced by cooking when ill, wearing dirty clothes, or having unkept hair. Always wear clean clothing, tie back long hair, and don’t prepare food if you’re feeling unwell.

7. Cooking at Incorrect Temperatures
Cooking thoroughly at the right temperature kills harmful bacteria. In a rush, people often undercook food, leading to foodborne illnesses. Use a food thermometer to check food has reached the correct internal temperature, focusing on the thickest part of the meat.

8. Reusing Dirty Utensils
Using the same utensils for raw and cooked food without cleaning them in between can cause cross contamination, especially during multitasking. To prevent this, use separate utensils for raw and cooked items, and clean cutting boards, utensils, and surfaces immediately after they’re used.

9. Not Properly Washing Fruits and Vegetables
Although fruits and vegetables may appear clean, they often carry harmful bacteria or pesticides. Failing to wash them thoroughly can increase the risk of foodborne illness. To avoid this, wash all produce under running water before eating, and use a brush for firm items like cucumbers or melons.

10. Not Cleaning Kitchen Surfaces Regularly
Kitchen surfaces, especially worktops and cutting boards, can harbor bacteria from raw foods, so neglecting their cleaning can contaminate other foods. Clean and disinfect all surfaces after preparing food, particularly after handling raw meat, using either kitchen disinfectant or a hot water and soap solution.

In conclusion, maintaining food safety isn’t just about avoiding foodborne illnesses; it’s about protecting your health and that of others. By being aware of and avoiding these common food safety mistakes, you can ensure the food you prepare remains safe and healthy. Remember these top ten tips to master safe cooking techniques!