Preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring food safety depend on maintaining strong food hygiene and safety practices. Even after completing Food Hygiene and Safety Training, many people forget the basic principles of food safety while cooking. Whether you’re in a professional kitchen or cooking at home, avoiding these common mistakes can help create a safer and healthier food environment.
One common mistake is not washing hands properly. Many assume a quick rinse is enough, but you need to scrub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, especially before cooking and after handling raw foods like meat, poultry, or seafood. This step is crucial to prevent spreading harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.
Cross contamination between raw and cooked food is another issue. This happens when bacteria from raw foods are transferred to cooked or ready-to-eat items, usually due to using the same tools or cutting boards without cleaning them properly in between. To avoid this, use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other items, and clean all surfaces, knives, and utensils after handling raw food.
Ignoring expiry dates can also jeopardize your health, as consuming food past its expiration can be unsafe. Always check the expiry date before using any product and rotate stock in your fridge and pantry to use older items first.
Incorrect food storage temperatures are a common error that allows bacteria to grow. The “danger zone” for bacterial growth is between 5°C and 63°C. Perishable food should be kept below 5°C. Make sure your fridge is set correctly and refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.
Thawing food at room temperature can also lead to bacterial growth, as the outer layer of the food warms while the center stays frozen. Thaw food in the fridge overnight, under cold water, or in the microwave, and avoid leaving perishable foods out for too long.
Personal hygiene plays a crucial role in food safety. Contaminants can be introduced by handling food while ill, wearing dirty clothing, or not tying back long hair. Always wear clean clothing, tie back hair, and avoid cooking if you’re unwell.
Cooking food at the right temperature is vital to kill harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to ensure that food has reached the correct internal temperature, and always check the thickest part of the meat.
Using the same utensils for raw and cooked food can cause cross-contamination. To prevent this, use different utensils for raw and cooked foods and clean them immediately after use.
Though fruits and vegetables might look clean, they can carry bacteria or pesticides. Always wash produce under running water before eating and use a clean brush to scrub firm produce.
Finally, neglecting to clean kitchen surfaces regularly can cause bacteria to spread. Clean and disinfect surfaces after preparing food, especially after handling raw meat, using either a kitchen disinfectant or a hot water and soap solution.
By paying attention to these common food safety mistakes and avoiding them, you can ensure the food you prepare is safe and nutritious, protecting the health of yourself and others.
