The food you consume plays a significant role in maintaining your health and wellness. However, it also has the potential to become a source of illness if you don't handle it properly. Any bacteria present in your everyday environment can contaminate food and proliferate under certain conditions, posing a risk to your health.
Foodborne bacteria can cause illnesses ranging from mild discomfort to severe diseases such as botulism or salmonellosis, which can be fatal in some cases. These important food safety tips to prevent bacterial growth will allow you to take the necessary measures to prevent contamination.
Practice Proper Hygiene
Before you handle any food, thoroughly wash your hands with warm, soapy water for no fewer than 20 seconds. This simple act can drastically reduce the spread of bacteria and prevent infection. Remember to wash your hands after using the restroom, touching your face, or handling pets.
Adequately Cook and Reheat
Cooking food to the right temperature is vital in killing harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to ensure you cook foods such as poultry, meat, and eggs to the recommended internal temperature. When reheating, ensure the food reaches a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to eliminate bacterial growth.
Properly Handle Canned Foods
Canned foods may seem invulnerable to bacterial growth, but they're not completely exempt. Ensure that cans show no damage such as dents, bulges, or rust, as these are signs of potential contamination.
The bacteria that cause botulism are also prone to grow more quickly in canned foods. It's important to know what to do if you contract botulism to prevent any long-lasting effects and health issues.
Store Food Safely
Food storage requires specific guidelines that can ensure the freshness and safety of your food. Always use airtight containers or tightly sealed plastic bags for storage to prevent the entry of bacteria. Store raw and cooked food separately at the bottom of the refrigerator to prevent juices from dripping onto other food. Remember that freezing food does not kill bacteria but merely slows down their growth. That's why cooking thawed food immediately and thoroughly is vital.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Confirming the freshness of your ingredients can prevent health issues and foodborne illness. Check for expiration dates and signs of spoiling, such as a foul smell, a change in color, or unusual texture. Eat perishable items such as dairy and meat within their freshness windows, always wash fresh produce before eating it, and, if you're ever in doubt, refrain from eating the food altogether.
Implementing these important food safety tips will protect you and your family from bacterial growth and any associated illnesses. Prevention is the best defense against foodborne diseases.
