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At home, you are the gatekeeper to health. There are many things to consider when it comes to food safety, but for now, let's concentrate on one big one. The first cardinal rule of safe food preparation in the home is this: Keep everything clean.
The cleanliness rule applies to anything that comes in contact with your food, including the people who prepare it. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before preparing a meal and after handling raw meat or poultry. Cover long hair with a net or scarf, and be sure that any open sores or cuts on the hands are completely covered.
Keep the work area clean and uncluttered. Wash countertops with a solution 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach to 1 quart of water or with a commercial kitchen cleaning agent diluted according to product directions. They're the most effective at getting rid of bacteria.
Be sure to keep dishcloths and sponges clean because, when wet, these materials harbor bacteria and may promote their growth. Change dishcloths daily and wash sponges weekly in hot water in the washing machine.
While you're at it, sanitize the kitchen sink drain periodically by pouring that bleach-water solution (described earlier) down the sink. Trapped food particles in the drain and disposal, along with moistness, are an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
Use smooth cutting boards made of hard maple or plastic that are free of cracks and crevices. Avoid boards made of soft, porous materials. Wash cutting boards with hot water, soap, and a scrub brush. Then, sanitize them in an automatic dishwasher or by rinsing with bleach solution.
Always wash and sanitize cutting boards after using them for raw foods, such as seafood or chicken, and before using them for ready-to-eat foods. Consider using one cutting board only for foods that will be cooked, such as raw fish, and another only for ready-to-eat foods, such as bread, fresh fruit and cooked fish.
Always use clean utensils and wash them between cutting different foods. Wash the lids of canned foods before opening to keep dirt from getting into the food. Clean the blade of the can opener after each use. Food processors and meat grinders should be taken apart and cleaned after use.
Do not put cooked meat on an unwashed plate or platter that has held raw meat. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly, rinsing in warm water. Don't use soap or other detergents. If necessary use a small scrub brush to remove surface dirt.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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From poisoned spinach to contaminated peanut butter, it's a helpless feeling to wonder if the food you're feeding your family is safe or not. While there's little you can do but read, listen and respond to these food alerts, the good news is that once you get foods home, you have much more control over their condition.
