Why Food Safety Matters
Every year, millions of people around the world get sick from foodborne illnesses. These illnesses can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, even fatal. The good news is that most foodborne illnesses can be prevented by following safe food handling practices.
This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about food safety, from how to handle and store food to how to cook it safely. By following the advice in this guide, you can help protect yourself and your family from foodborne illnesses.
Potential Hazards Throughout the Food Journey
Food can become contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites at any point in the food journey, from farm to table. Potential hazards include:
- Animal products: Raw meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products can all contain harmful bacteria.
- Produce: Fruits and vegetables can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites if they are not properly washed and handled.
- Water: Contaminated water can spread a variety of diseases, including cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery.
- Food contact surfaces: Cutting boards, utensils, and other surfaces that come into contact with food can harbor harmful bacteria.
Essential Precautions for Every Step
To prevent foodborne illnesses, it is essential to take precautions at every step of the food journey. These precautions include:
- Buying food: Choose fresh, unbruised produce. Avoid meat, poultry, or fish that looks or smells spoiled.
- Storing food: Store perishable food in the refrigerator or freezer. Keep raw meat, poultry, and fish separate from other foods.
- Preparing food: Wash your hands and all surfaces that come into contact with food before and after handling food. Cook food to the proper temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
- Serving food: Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Serve food immediately after cooking.
- Storing leftovers: Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly. Discard any leftovers that have been left at room temperature for more than two hours.
Benefits of Safe Food Handling
Following safe food handling practices can help you and your family stay healthy. Safe food handling can:
- Reduce your risk of foodborne illnesses
- Protect your family and friends from foodborne illnesses
- Save you money on medical bills
- Give you peace of mind knowing that you are ng your part to prevent foodborne illnesses
Food safety is an important part of healthy living. By following the tips in this guide, you can help protect yourself and your family from foodborne illnesses.
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