What are some basic food safety measures we should try to follow at home?
Safe steps in food handling, cooking and storage are essential to prevent harmful bacteria that may cause illness. To fight bacteria and prevent foodborne illness, food safety experts recommend the following four simple steps: CLEAN Wash hands and surfaces often with hot, soapy water. SEPARATE Don’t cross-contaminate. Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood and their juices away from ready-to-eat foods. COOK Cook to proper temperatures, don’t rely on color alone. Remember to use a food thermometer to check if food is done. Thorough cooking is the most important step in preventing foodborne illness. CHILL Refrigerate promptly. Growth of harmful bacteria can be slowed or stopped by refrigeration or freezing. “In the danger zone” (between 41° and 140°F), bacteria double in number every 20-30 minutes.
