How Individuals Can Take Responsibility for Food Safety
Personal Hygiene
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Hand washing: It's essential to wash hands before handling food, after touching raw food, and after using the bathroom. This prevents the spread of bacteria.
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Safe handling of food: Always handle food with clean hands and use clean utensils. Avoid touching your face or hair while preparing food.
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Avoid food prep when ill: If you're suffering from a contagious illness, especially one involving vomiting or diarrhoea, avoid preparing food to prevent the spread of disease.
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Proper storage: Store personal items like bags and coats away from food preparation areas to avoid accidental contamination.
Cooking Safely
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Proper heating and cooking: Cook food thoroughly, especially meat, to kill harmful bacteria. Using a food thermometer can ensure proper temperatures are reached.
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Avoid cross-contamination: Use separate chopping boards and utensils for raw and ready-to-eat foods. Clean utensils properly between uses.
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Safe reheating: Always reheat leftovers until steaming hot to ensure bacteria are killed.
Buying and Storing Food
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Deciphering 'use by' and 'best before' dates: 'Use by' is about safety and means food mustn't be eaten after this date. 'Best before' is about quality, with the food safe to eat but potentially less tasty after this date.
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Correct storage: Store food at the correct temperature to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Refrigeration should be between 0°C - 5°C.
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Proper location: Store raw foods below cooked or ready-to-eat foods in the fridge to prevent cross-contamination.
Cleaning Up
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Cleanliness in food areas: Keep food preparation areas clean and disinfected to kill bacteria. Also, regular cleaning of items such as tea towels, sponges, and scrub brushes is crucial.
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Waste management: Dispose of rubbish and food waste correctly. Leftovers can attract pests, creating a further risk of disease.
Allergen Awareness
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Strictly avoid cross-contamination through utensils, gloves, or chopping boards if preparing food for someone with a food allergy.
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Understand and respect the fact that even trace amounts of an allergen can trigger severe reactions. Therefore, always pay attention to food labels and declarations.