Food is essential for sustenance and growth. It plays a pivotal role in keeping us healthy and active, but it also has the potential to cause harm and make us ill if not handled properly.

Foodborne illnesses affect millions of people each year, resulting in hospitalization, and in some cases, death. In this article, we will discuss the importance of keeping food safe and ways to avoid illness.

Why is Food Safety Important?

Food safety is critical because it can affect our health and the health of others. Food can become contaminated with harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites throughout the food production and handling process.

These contaminants can cause foodborne illnesses that may range from mild to severe, depending on the type of microorganism and the sensitivity of the person eating the contaminated food. Some people are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, including young children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Therefore, it is essential to practice food safety to reduce the risk of illness and protect our health.

Tips for Keeping Food Safe

Here are some tips to keep food safe:.

1. Cleanliness

Cleanliness is essential for food safety. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food, and after using the restroom, blowing your nose, or handling pets.

Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and countertops with hot soapy water after each use. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from ready-to-eat foods.

2. Cooking

Cooking food thoroughly is crucial to destroy harmful microorganisms. Use a food thermometer to ensure that meat, poultry, seafood, and egg dishes reach a safe internal temperature.

Remember to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F, poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F, and fish to an internal temperature of 145°F. Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours of cooking or within one hour if the temperature is above 90°F.

3. Storage

Storing food properly can help prevent contamination. Always refrigerate or freeze perishable food promptly. Keep the temperature in the refrigerator below 40°F and the freezer below 0°F.

Use freezer-safe containers or bags to store food in the freezer and date the containers to ensure you use the oldest items first. Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood in separate containers on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination.

4. Handling

Handle food with care to avoid contamination. Never thaw food at room temperature; thaw food in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave. Marinate food in the refrigerator, not on the countertop.

Discard any food that smells off, has an unusual texture, or appears moldy or slimy.

5. Eating Out

When dining out, choose restaurants that have a good record of food safety. Look for the grade given by the local health department, and check for cleanliness in the kitchen and food handling areas.

Also, be careful with the buffet, salad bar, and other self-service food options. Avoid food that has been sitting out for too long, as it may not be at the correct temperature.

6. Be Informed

Stay informed about food safety and recalls. Check the websites of the CDC and FDA regularly for updates on food-related recalls and outbreaks.

Know the signs and symptoms of foodborne illnesses and contact your healthcare provider if you suspect you may have a foodborne illness.

Conclusion

Food safety is a crucial aspect of keeping ourselves and our loved ones healthy. By following the tips mentioned above, we can minimize the risk of foodborne illness and enjoy food safely.

Remember that prevention is better than cure, so always practice good food safety habits.