Preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring food safety are all about maintaining excellent food hygiene and safety practices. Even after completing training, people often forget the basic principles of food safety when they cook. Whether you’re running a restaurant or just making dinner at home, steering clear of these common mistakes will create a safer and healthier food environment.
1. Not Washing Hands Correctly
Washing your hands properly is one of the simplest and most overlooked aspects of food safety. A quick rinse isn’t enough. You need to scrub with soap for at least 20 seconds, especially before cooking and after handling raw foods like meat. Skipping this can spread harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, causing serious illness. Keep your hands clean to stay safe.
2. Cross Contaminating Between Raw and Cooked Food
Cross contamination happens when bacteria from raw food transfer to cooked or ready-to-eat items, often because of using the same tools or cutting boards without washing them properly. To avoid this, always use separate boards for raw meat and other foods, and clean your surfaces and utensils well after touching raw food.
3. Ignoring Expiry Dates
It’s easy to overlook expiry dates, but eating food past its expiration can be risky for your health. Expiry dates let you know when food might not be safe anymore. Always check these dates before using products, and make sure to use older items first by rotating them in your fridge or pantry.
4. Storing Food at Wrong Temperatures
Storing food at incorrect temperatures allows bacteria to grow quickly. The “danger zone” is between 5°C and 63°C, where bacteria thrive. Keep perishable items below 5°C in the fridge and refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking to prevent bacteria from multiplying.
5. Thawing Food at Room Temperature
Leaving frozen food on the counter to thaw can let bacteria multiply fast because the outer part warms up while the center stays frozen. Thaw food safely by leaving it in the fridge overnight, placing it under cold water, or using the microwave. Avoid leaving perishable foods out for more than two hours.
6. Overlooking Personal Hygiene
Food handlers’ personal hygiene is just as important as the food they’re handling. Contaminants can spread when cooking while sick, wearing dirty clothes, or failing to tie back long hair. Always wear clean clothes and tie back hair when you’re cooking, and avoid handling food if you’re unwell.
7. Cooking Food at Incorrect Temperatures
Cooking food to the right temperature is key to killing harmful bacteria. People often undercook meals when they’re in a hurry, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Always use a food thermometer to make sure your food reaches the correct internal temperature, especially in the thickest parts.
8. Using the Same Utensils Without Cleaning
Using the same utensils for both raw and cooked food can cause cross-contamination easily. To prevent this, use different utensils for raw and cooked items, and always clean cutting boards, utensils, and surfaces immediately after use.
9. Not Washing Fruits and Vegetables Properly
Fruits and vegetables might look clean, but they can carry harmful bacteria or pesticides. Don’t skip washing produce thoroughly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Wash fruits and veggies under running water, and use a clean brush to scrub firm produce like cucumbers or melons.
10. Not Cleaning Kitchen Surfaces Regularly
Kitchen surfaces, especially worktops and cutting boards, can hold bacteria from raw food. If you don’t clean them, they can contaminate other food you prepare. Be sure to clean and disinfect all surfaces after food preparation, particularly after handling raw meat. Use a kitchen disinfectant or hot water and soap.
Conclusion
Food safety isn’t just about avoiding foodborne illnesses; it’s about protecting your health and that of others. By paying attention to these common food safety mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you ensure the food you prepare is safe and healthy. Keep these top 10 mistakes in mind, and you’ll be on your way to mastering safe cooking techniques.
The Knowledge Academy offers food hygiene and safety courses to help you deepen your understanding of food safety principles.
