These are some of the basic tips on handling food, starting from the preparation of meals up to serving. Happy (and safe) eating!
- Make sure that the product you buy is from a trusted source. You do not want your food to come from a dirty farm or market.
- Keep raw food in a different storage from ready-to-eat food. Put raw meat in a sealed container and store it on the bottom shelf of your fridge to avoid cross contamination.
- Check your utensils and ingredients. Make sure that all utensils to be used are clean and disinfected. Same goes with your ingredients. Raw vegetables should be washed before cooking. Washing raw meat is not necessary.
- Observe proper hygiene. Wash your hands properly before preparing, after touching raw meat, and every time you touch something unclean.
- Separate raw food from ready-to-eat food. Use separate plates and utensils when cooking to keep ingredients safe from contamination.
- Cook food thoroughly. Make sure that your food is cooked at the right temperature to kill bacteria.
- Avoid wearing nail polish, jewelry, and other accessories that might mix with your food. Accessories have bacteria that contaminate your food.
- Be mindful of what you are eating. Make sure that your food is safe to eat. Check your food first for hazards.
- Do not taste food that has a possibility of being spoiled. Food cannot be judged by its taste, smell, or appearance. Throw out expired food.