Summer celebrations often involve food, but unsafe food handling practices can lead to foodborne illness. Learn how you can protect your friends and family from food poisoning. Here are 5 tips for safe food handling this summer.
1. Use a Thermometer
The danger zone for food is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This range of temperatures can allow bacteria to flourish and cause illness. Use a thermometer to check your food’s temperature and ensure that all food is cooked to the correct temperature.
2. Don’t Leave Food Lying Out
Perishable food, such as meat or salads, should never be left out for more than 2 hours before being refrigerated. If the weather is more than 90 degrees, this time is only 1 hour. If you are planning a picnic or a potluck, ensure that food isn’t left out in the heat for too long.
3. Never Reuse Marinades
Using marinade as a sauce for cooked meat can be tasty, but you should set aside some marinade before using it to flavor raw meat. Using marinade that was in contact with raw meat can cause germs to contaminate the cooked meat. Use the fresh marinade for a sauce instead.
4. Separate Raw and Cooked Meat
Use different cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw meat and cooked meat. Using the same tools can cause cross-contamination and allow germs to move to the cooked meat.
5. Wash Your Hands
Before handling food, you should thoroughly wash your hands with hot water and soap. Follow the 5 step rules for washing your hands:
- Wet your hands with hot water.
- Apply soap. Soap works best with wet hands, so it is important to use water first.
- Scrub up. Work the soap between your fingers and up your forearms for 20 seconds. Don’t forget to clean your nails as well.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towels.
If you have recently suffered food poisoning, our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can help you determine if you have a lawsuit. At Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, we are dedicated to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve after an injury or illness. Schedule a free consultation with our legal team today.
Contact our firm by calling (866) 884-1717.