Food Hygiene Habits That Must Be Followed By Everyone
We are always advised or dictated about following hygienic habits in our everyday life. They are beneficial for your own health and for the surrounding people as well. Maintaining hygienic habits is also a part of self-discipline that can keep you away from numerous kinds of health disorders and ailments. It aids in preventing illnesses caused by germs, bacteria, and viruses that can transmit in various forms. Hygiene should not only be maintained on a personal level but in all areas, including the kitchen. It is the area where our food is cooked, and in the end, we consume that food. Hence maintaining hygiene in the kitchen area is the elementary and essential necessity.
It is required to prevent any food-borne diseases that can happen due to germs and bacteria. Poor cleaning and hygiene at the cooking area can lead to contamination and germ infestation in the food that we eat. Therefore, it is essential that we maintain the hygiene of the cooking area as well as on a personal level to keep it clean and germ-free.
Clean the cooking area
The place where you cook should be absolutely neat and tidy. There should be no trace of dirt or any other things that could possibly contaminate the food. Utensils and stoves should be completely clean. Along with the cooking area, you should also maintain some hygiene on a personal level like wearing clean clothes and apron while cooking the clothes. The head should be covered too, as wearing a cap or hairnet is advised.
Wash hands properly
You should wash your hands properly before and while cooking the food also. If you are preparing poultry or any other item for cooking purposes, you need to wash your hand before touching any other food. In this way, the germ or any other component from that food cannot get transferred to the next one.
Separate the eatables
When you are preparing food for cooking, you need to separate them from one other in order to avoid mix up and transfer of germs. This is especially when you are cooking meat and other food products. Separating them will prevent the chance of contagions and food contamination.
Avoid handling food after smoking or chewing tobacco
If you are responsible for cooking the food or anyone else, it won’t be good if the person touches the food after chewing tobacco or smoking cigarette. A similar thing should be avoided in case you have taken out the garbage, went to the washroom, or have changed the diapers. In such cases, you should wash your hand properly with disinfectant and soaps before you handle the food items again for cooking.
Clean the kitchen immediately after food is prepared
You should dispose of all the scraps, crumbs, bits and pieces after you have cut the vegetables or other items for cooking the food. Clear the counter of any garbage and clean the platform with soap or disinfectant and wipe it clean dry. Do not keep any dirt or garbage in the cooking area as it can lead to contamination of food and can cause problems for your health.