Keep it Clean!

 

How many times did our mothers tell us to wash our hands before dinner? It’s been indoctrinated into us since we were young, but as with everything, there’s a right way, and a wrong way.

Always wash your hands with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds before handling food – meat, poultry, eggs and seafood – and after changing diapers, touching pets and using the washroom. It’s easy to shortcut and wash for a shorter time, but less that 20 seconds can leave harmful bacteria on your hands and cross contaminate between meat and vegetables.

It’s important to keep counter tops, cutting boards and utensils free from bacteria. In fact, any worn cutting boards should be thrown out. Before and after food preparation, try sanitizing with a mild bleach solution – 1 tsp (5 ml) bleach per 3 cups water (750 ml). Paper towels are ideal for wiping kitchen surfaces because they’re disposable. Dishcloths need to be changed daily to avoid the possibility of cross-contamination and the spread of bacteria, and sponges are a prime target for bacteria to grow.

When was the last time you scrubbed your fruit? Before it reaches the supermarket, fresh produce passes through a lot of hands. Hard-skinned fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, melons, potatoes, carrots, should be scrubbed thoroughly. For other fresh produce – thoroughly wash under running water to remove dirt and residue and make sure to cut away any damaged or bruised areas. Bacteria can thrive in such places.

Here are some tips to keep your kitchen clean and bacteria-free:

• Wash out lunch boxes or bags every night
• Using a disinfectant cleaner or a mixture of bleach and water on surfaces can provide some added protection against bacteria
• When cooking, don’t forget to wash and sanitize your food thermometer after each use and when testing different foods

The next time you sit down to a meal, remember your mother’s wise words and wash your hands – for 20 seconds. You can’t see, smell or taste bacteria, so keep it CLEAN!

Tomorrow: How to avoid cross-contamination.

Tagged as: chicken, cleanliness, Food Safety