This is a guest post by Emily D.
Emily is a Digital Content Specialist who works as an extension of the marketing team at KBG Injury Law, a personal injury law firm that has represented clients in central Pennsylvania for over 30 years.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link
Foodborne illnesses can range from unpleasant to serious. Most of us have had cases of food poisoning that may result in vomiting or extra trips to the bathroom. But foodborne illness can also be serious, resulting in 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths every year. Approximately 1 in 6 Americans will get sick from a foodborne illness every year. Thankfully, there are simple and easy steps you can take to prevent foodborne illness. From choosing your food to cleaning your fridge, here are some easy tips to prevent foodborne illness.
Pay attention to quality
When purchasing vegetables, look for the freshest greens, and avoid pre-cut salad mixes. While they may be convenient, salad greens are responsible for the majority of foodborne illnesses. Buying whole heads of lettuce is safer since the amount of processing is reduced.
For frozen food, make sure packages are not damaged or opened. When buying fresh meat, ask the butcher about how to prepare the meat safely, and pay attention to any weird colors or smells. Canned food and pantry staples should be free of any dents, and always check the expiration date!
Keep your cooking space clean
Preparing food can be messy, especially if you are meal prepping multiple dishes at the same time. Keeping your kitchen clean plays a huge role in preventing foodborne illness. When handling raw meat, designate certain cutting boards for poultry, pork and seafood, and keep these prep areas separate from vegetables. Separating food by type is an easy way to prevent cross-contamination.
Use different utensils and make sure to wash all vegetables thoroughly. Sanitize preparation areas including sinks and countertops and be sure to wash your hands!
Know proper temperatures
It's important to know what temperature to keep your refrigerator set to, how long to cook meat and when to throw away frozen food. If you are concerned about cooking meat safely, make a list of resources and stick it on your fridge as a reminder. Ground meat should be cooked to 160 °F, poultry should be cooked to 165° F, while fresh meat steaks, chops and roasts are safe at 145° F.
Be safe about fast food
Whether you're picking up dinner at the drive-thru or sitting down in a restaurant, be cognizant of how clean the establishment is and the safety protocols being followed. If the area appears dirty where you are sitting, there is a good chance the kitchen is dirty too. You can also lookup the restaurant's health grades and find out if they have any past health code violations.
If you bring food home, make sure to store leftovers properly. When reheating food, make sure to reheat it to the right temperature, and freeze or discard refrigerated leftovers after three to four days.
Wash your hands
It doesn't matter if you clean your food if your hands are dirty! According to the World Health Organization, handwashing is the most important measure in preventing the spread of germs. Especially if you are handling meat or fresh produce, be sure to wash your hands before handling and throughout the cooking process. Washing your hands is a simple but extremely effective way to prevent foodborne illness.
Eating Safely
Sometimes there are foodborne illnesses that are out of the consumer's hands, like when food is contaminated during production. But the majority of the time we can take small and simple steps to keep our families and our kitchens safe. Preventing foodborne illness is all about being cognizant of potential dangers and responding appropriately. If you wash your hands, keep your kitchen clean and cook food at proper temperatures, you can greatly reduce your chance of getting a foodborne illness.
Leave a Reply