Stopping foodborne illnesses and making sure our food is safe involves sticking to good hygiene and safety habits. Many people, even after going through Food Hygiene and Safety Training, often forget the basics of food safety in their everyday cooking. Whether you’re running a kitchen professionally or just cooking at home, avoiding common mistakes can help keep your food environment safe and healthy.
1. Not Washing Hands Properly
One of the simplest but often neglected tasks in food safety is washing hands correctly. 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, poultry, or seafood. Not washing your hands properly can spread harmful germs like Salmonella and E. coli.
How to fix it: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap for 20 seconds, particularly after dealing with raw meat or after using the toilet. Use a clean towel or air dryer to dry your hands, as damp hands may spread germs.
2. Cross Contamination Between Raw and Cooked Foods
Cross contamination happens when bacteria from raw foods get transferred to cooked or ready-to-eat items, usually because the same tools or cutting boards were used without cleaning them first.
How to fix it: Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other foods. Clean and disinfect all surfaces, knives, and utensils after handling raw food.
3. Ignoring Expiry Dates
It’s easy to overlook expiry dates, but eating expired food can be dangerous to your health. These dates show when the food is no longer safe to consume.
How to fix it: Always check the expiry date before using any product. Organize your fridge and pantry so that older items are used first.
4. Incorrect Food Storage Temperatures
Storing food at the wrong temperature is a common mistake that lets bacteria grow. Bacteria thrive between 5°C and 63°C, so perishable food should be kept below 5°C.
How to fix it: Set your fridge to below 5°C and refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.
5. Thawing Food at Room Temperature
Leaving frozen food out to thaw can let bacteria multiply quickly. The outside warms while the inside stays frozen, creating a perfect spot for bacteria to grow.
How to fix it: Thaw food in the fridge overnight, under cold water, or in the microwave. Don’t leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.
6. Not Recognizing the Importance of Personal Hygiene
It’s not just about the food; food handlers’ personal hygiene counts too. Contaminants can be introduced if someone cooks while sick, in dirty clothes, or with loose hair.
How to fix it: Wear clean clothes and tie back hair when cooking. Don’t handle food if you’re feeling sick.
7. Cooking Food at Wrong Temperatures
Cooking food at the correct temperature is crucial to kill harmful bacteria. Often, people undercook food when they’re in a hurry, risking foodborne illnesses.
How to fix it: Use a food thermometer to make sure your food reaches the right internal temperature. Check the thickest part of the meat.
8. Using the Same Utensils Without Cleaning
Reusing utensils for both raw and cooked foods can lead to cross contamination. This happens a lot when multitasking in the kitchen.
How to fix it: Use different utensils for raw and cooked foods, and always clean cutting boards, utensils, and surfaces immediately after use.
9. Not Washing Fruits and Vegetables Properly
Even if they look clean, fruits and veggies can have harmful bacteria or pesticides. Many people don’t wash them thoroughly.
How to fix it: Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water before eating. Use a clean brush to scrub firm produce, like cucumbers or melons.
10. Not Regularly Cleaning Kitchen Surfaces
Kitchen surfaces, especially worktops and cutting boards, can hold bacteria from raw food. Skipping their cleaning can contaminate whatever is prepared there next.
How to fix it: Clean and disinfect all surfaces after food prep, especially after handling raw meat. Use either kitchen disinfectant or hot water with soap.
Overall, food safety isn’t just about avoiding illnesses; it’s about keeping you and others healthy. By steering clear of these typical food safety mistakes and staying aware, you can prepare meals that are both safe and nutritious. Keep these top 10 mistakes in mind, and you’ll be on your way to mastering safe cooking techniques!
