Essential Food Hygiene Tips: Four Key Points for Safe Meal Preparation

Food poisoning typically happens when food gets contaminated during preparation or isn’t cooked properly. But don’t worry, there are easy steps you can take to lower the risk of getting sick and keep your family safe. These tips are simple to remember and can become lifelong habits.

**Wash Your Hands**
The most important kitchen hygiene rule is to keep your hands clean. Before you start cooking, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid transferring germs to your food. Don’t forget to wash your hands after handling raw meat too, as it can carry harmful bacteria that can contaminate other ingredients.

**Store Food Correctly**
Proper food storage helps ingredients last longer and stay safe to eat. Many foods need to be refrigerated, so check the packaging if you’re unsure. Keep raw meat separate from cooked foods, and make sure everything in your fridge is well-wrapped to prevent contamination. Also, set your refrigerator and freezer to the right temperatures by checking the manufacturer’s handbook.

**Cook Food Thoroughly**
Undercooked food is a common cause of stomach issues in the UK. Always make sure your food is fully cooked before serving it to your family. If you’re unsure about meat cooking times, a meat thermometer can help you check the temperature at the center of the meat to ensure it’s cooked properly.

Remember, some foods, especially seafood, should not be reheated after they’ve cooled, as this can lead to rapid bacterial growth and possible food poisoning.

**Clean and Disinfect**
Ensure that all surfaces you use for food preparation are clean and hygienic before you start cooking. After you’re done, clean them again to maintain a safe cooking environment.

By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of food poisoning and keep your loved ones healthy.