Consuming a balanced diet and nutrient-dense foods is only one aspect of healthy eating. It includes developing food safety practices to prevent foodborne infections. Most foodborne infections can be avoided with proper food cleanliness, cooking and storage.
Here are 5 food safety tips you must follow at home
1. Follow Two-Hour rule
Foods should be served hot and should not be left out for longer than two hours. Additionally, leave it for an hour if the temperature is higher than 32 degrees Celsius. If in doubt, avoid eating the meal. Never forget that using proper food handling techniques helps to prevent food from spoiling.
2. Wash your hands properly
Both before and after handling food, properly wash your hands with soap and water. The first action in stopping infections is this. Give your hands a good 20 seconds or more of washing.
3. Cook food at the right temperature
When the internal temp of your meat reaches a point where germs are killed, it is considered safely cooked. Using a food thermometer placed into the thickest portion of the meat is the safest way to make sure the temperature is right.
4. Storing food safely
Read food labels carefully at all times. If it says to refrigerate after opening, follow that advice! Check the expiration date on food packaging as well.
5. Do a visual and smell check
You can quickly determine if a food item has changed consistency or has a distorted texture just by looking at it. The smell is also a strong indicator of food spoilage.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
