10 Food Safety Tips: Don’t Let Foodborne Illnesses Threaten Your Family

As a mother, you know the importance of providing your family with nutritious and delicious meals. But with the ongoing concerns over food safety, it can be difficult to know how to prepare food in a way that’s both safe and healthy. 

Here are 10 tips to help you keep your family’s food safe and nourishing:

10 Food Safety Tips

Wash your hands

Washing your hands before you start preparing food is one of the most important steps in preventing foodborne illness. Make sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, paying special attention to your fingers, nails and wrists.

Use separate cutting boards

Using separate cutting boards for raw meats, poultry and seafood and for produce helps to prevent cross-contamination. This is especially important if you have a family member with a weakened immune system.

Clean your kitchen regularly 

A clean kitchen is essential for safe food preparation. Wipe down surfaces and utensils frequently, especially after handling raw meat, poultry or seafood. Clean the refrigerator regularly to prevent spoilage and contamination. Use a natural surface cleanser to clean all the kitchen platforms before you start cooking.

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Store food properly 

Store food at the right temperature to prevent spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria. Keep perishable food in the refrigerator below 40°F and frozen food at 0°F or below. Store raw meats, poultry and seafood in separate containers at the bottom of the refrigerator to prevent any juices from dripping onto other food.

Cook food to the right temperature 

Cooking food to the right temperature is important to kill harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check that meat, poultry, and seafood have reached a safe internal temperature. For example, ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F, and poultry should b

Avoid raw ingredients

Food like undercooked eggs, sprouts, and raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and fish are often the cause of stomach infections. Make sure the vegetables and meats etc. are cleaned thoroughly and cooked properly.

Marinate food safely

Marinating food in the refrigerator, and never reusing marinade that’s been in contact with raw meat.

Use leftovers within three days

Store leftovers in the refrigerator, and reheat them to an internal temperature of 165°F or higher.

Store perishable food promptly

Don’t let perishable food sit out at room temperature for more than two hours, as this increases the risk of harmful bacteria growth.

With a little extra care and attention, you can create meals that are not only delicious but also protect your loved ones from harmful foodborne illnesses.

Food safety is of utmost importance for all families, especially for mothers who are in charge of feeding their loved ones. By keeping your kitchen clean, storing food properly, using safe water and raw ingredients, marinating food safely, using leftovers within three days, and educating yourself on food safety, you can make sure that the food you serve is not only delicious but also safe for consumption. 

So, next time you’re in the kitchen, keep these tips in mind and you’ll be well on your way to preparing safe and nutritious meals for your family.

Cover image source: freepik