There are many food safety tips that you should follow at home, especially if you cook or store food for your family to eat. Home canning, storage and preparation of food should be done carefully to avoid food poisoning. Learn more about food safety tips for microwave ovens and other types of household appliances from the American Society of Home Inspectors. This organization recommends that consumers follow all health safety guidelines for preparing and storing food.
Use canning and storage practices to prevent food contamination by maintaining clean and dry surfaces. Food safety tips include washing all surfaces, especially those used for food storage, with hot water and dishwashing detergents, and wiping all surfaces, especially those used for food preparation, with a moist towelette and mild detergent. Never put hot surfaces, like the stovetop or microwave, into a sink full of water. Use appropriate canning and storage practices to avoid food contamination by maintaining clean and dry surfaces. Find more food safety tips, including how to safely thaw and cook food in your microwave, in the “Consumer’s Guide to Home Cooking and Drying.”
Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Find more food safety tips, including how to safely remove latex gloves during cleaning and applying food safety tips to cutting vegetables to help prevent transmission of foodborne illness. Some people are more susceptible to foodborne illness, particularly those who have weak immune systems, are older or have a pre-existing condition such as HIV or diabetes. Other common tips include not sharing food, hand washing after using the restroom and washing everything thoroughly, both in and out.
Follow food safety tips for freezing by ensuring that all leftovers are thoroughly thawed, and taking them out immediately when reheating. Always put fresh foods in the fridge first and throw leftovers in the freezer last. Discard anything you do not need right away.
Always be aware of food handling practices to reduce food borne illness. Proper food handling can significantly reduce chances of contamination and create a safer environment for handling other household items and food. Learn more about food handling from the “EPA Food Handling Guidelines for Safe Food Handling.” Thoroughly washing all surfaces, and wiping down surfaces that may come into contact with food are essential food safety tips.
During preparation of vegetables and fruits, take care to remove tough dirt and residue from knives and cutting boards to reduce the risk of food borne illness. Wash chopping boards on a regular basis, especially after use and before cooking to remove bacteria and prevent food borne bacteria from growing. If vegetables are being cut to garnish meals, make sure to wash the knife between cuts and then store in a clean area until it is time to serve. Following these food safety tips will help reduce illnesses that can result in serious illness or even death.
