4 ways to ensure food safety in Summer
According to WHO estimates, it was found that two million deaths occur globally, every year, due to contamination of food and water. Who would have thought that there are over 200 diseases that are caused by contaminated food or drinking water? The carry bacteria, parasites, viruses and chemical substances that are harmful for human consumption.
Here are four ways to prevent food borne diseases:
Separate raw and cooked foods
Separate raw foods, poultry and seafood from cooked food as they might contain harmful microorganisms. Make sure the food in the containers avoid contact with each other.
Cook your food thoroughly
Cook food properly, especially meat, poultry, eggs and seafood. It is advisable to boil foods like soups and stews to at least 70°C. Make sure that juices are clear and not pink for poultry and seafood.
Keep food at safe temperatures
It is generally not recommended to leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Refrigerate all cooked preferably below 5°C but also remember, it is unhealthy to consume stored food which has been kept in the refrigerator for too long.
Use safe water and raw materials
Use safe and clean water to wash fruits and veggies especially if they are being consumed raw. Be sure to check the expiry date of other ingredients before using them to cook.
