One of the most important steps in preventing food poisoning is eliminating bacteria from our food. Unfortunately, bacteria can lurk in places, and we may not be aware of all the potential contamination sources. From vegetables to meat and everything in between, there are several steps we can take to ensure that the food we eat is free from bacteria. Here are some ways to purge bacteria from our food.
1. Store food at proper temperatures. Keeping your food at the proper temperature helps to prevent bacterial growth. In general, you want to store food away from the warmest and coldest parts of your refrigerator. For example, the ideal temperature range to store food in your fridge is between 37°F and 40°F. Also, it is important to note that if a food has been cooked, it should not remain in the fridge for longer than 4 days.
2. Clean produce thoroughly. Bacteria can be spread from one food to another on contaminated surfaces, and proper cleaning is the best way to keep fruits and vegetables safe. When prepping produce for your meal, make sure to scrub them under cold running water to eliminate excess dirt and reduce the number of bacteria.
3. Cook your food properly. Bacteria can be killed off during cooking, but doing so requires food to be cooked to a certain temperature. Therefore, it is important to make sure that your food is always cooked through to the correct internal temperature. This is especially true for meat, poultry and fish, which should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F and allowed to rest for three minutes before eating.
4. Be mindful of food contact surfaces. All surfaces that come into contact with food should be cleaned on a regular basis. This includes utensils, cutting boards, countertops and kitchen sinks. Additionally, these items should never be used for raw and cooked foods, as this can spread bacteria.
5. Refrigerate leftovers. If you have food leftover from a meal, it should be stored in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Storing leftovers promptly helps to reduce the number of bacteria that may have had time to multiply. Furthermore, it should be noted that reheated leftovers should be brought back to an internal temperature of 165°F before eating.
By following the guidelines above, we can help to reduce the risk of foodborne illness and help keep ourselves and our families safe. In addition to being mindful when it comes to food preparation, it is also important to listen to advice from health professionals and to properly wash our hands whenever preparing food. Cleanliness and proper food handling play a huge part in helping us to eliminate harmful bacteria from our food.