What are the 7 important things to keep Food Safe?

 What are the 7 important things to keep Food Safe?

To keep food safe, there are several important practices and considerations that you should follow. Here are seven key things to keep in mind:

• Personal hygiene: Maintain good personal hygiene practices to prevent the spread of bacteria and other contaminants. This includes washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food, after using the restroom, and after touching raw meats. Avoid working with food when you are sick or have open wounds.
• Clean surfaces and utensils: Keep food contact surfaces, utensils, and equipment clean and sanitized. Regularly wash cutting boards, knives, countertops, and other tools used in food preparation. Use hot, soapy water, and sanitize surfaces with a solution of bleach and water or other approved sanitizers.
• Safe storage: Store food properly to maintain its quality and prevent contamination. Follow storage guidelines for different types of food, including refrigeration or freezing when necessary. Keep raw meats and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination.
• Temperature control: Proper temperature control is crucial to prevent bacterial growth. Keep hot foods hot (above 140°F or 60°C) and cold foods cold (below 40°F or 4°C). Use thermometers to monitor and ensure the correct temperatures are maintained during storage, cooking, and holding.
• Cooking and reheating: Cook food thoroughly to destroy harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of cooked foods and ensure they reach safe temperatures. Follow recommended cooking times and temperatures for different types of food. When reheating leftovers, ensure they are heated to a safe temperature throughout.
• Avoid cross-contamination: Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw and cooked foods separate. Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and plates for different types of food, especially when handling raw meats, poultry, and seafood. Clean and sanitize surfaces and utensils between uses to avoid transferring harmful bacteria.
• Traceability and recall procedures: Maintain proper records and labeling to track the origin and handling of food products. This enables traceability in case of contamination incidents or recalls. Ensure that you can identify and quickly remove potentially unsafe products from the market if needed.

By following these seven important practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and maintain the safety and quality of the food you handle and consume.