How safe is the food we consume on a daily basis? This is a question that many people ask but don’t have an answer for. The truth is, most of us don’t think about it until something goes wrong.
Unfortunately, there has been numerous food recalls in recent years, and many people are now wondering just how safe our food really is.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the things you need to know about food safety. We will also provide tips on staying safe when eating out or buying food from the grocery store.
What you should know about food safety
1. Washing hands after touching any raw meat is a must
The first thing you should know about food safety is that it is important to wash your hands. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many people don’t wash their hands after handling raw meat or poultry.
Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the best way to remove bacteria from your hands. For example, if you are going to cook chicken, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the raw chicken.
2. Food X-ray inspections are highly important
It’s not just our hands that need to be clean, but the food itself needs to be clean as well. That’s why X-Ray food inspections are so important for food safety, as these inspections help to ensure that there is no foreign matter in our food, such as metal shards or glass.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring that our food is safe. The FDA conducts food safety inspections and sets food safety standards.
However, it is important to note that the FDA does not inspect every food product sold in the United States. In fact, the FDA only inspects about 15% of all food products. That means it is up to the food companies to ensure that their products are safe.
2. Meat should be cooked properly
Another important thing to know about food safety is that you must cook meat properly. This means cooking it at the right temperature for the right amount of time. Undercooked meat can be dangerous because it can contain bacteria that can make you sick.
For example, hamburgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meat before eating it. Also, be sure to cook poultry and seafood to the proper temperature.
Poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, while seafood should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. When in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of caution and cook your meat a little longer than shorter. Better safe than sorry!
3. Avoid cross-contamination
Cross-contamination is when bacteria from one food item is transferred to another food item. This can happen if you use the same cutting board or knife for raw meat and then use it to cut vegetables.
The bacteria from the raw meat can contaminate the vegetables, making you sick. To avoid cross-contamination, be sure to use separate cutting boards and knives for raw meat and other food items. Also, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
How to stay safe when eating out or grocery shopping
Now that you know some important things about food safety let’s discuss how to stay safe when eating out or grocery shopping.
1. When eating out
When eating out at a restaurant, ask your server how the food is prepared. If you have any allergies, be sure to let them know so that they can make accommodations for you. Also, be sure to check the food before you eat it. Don’t hesitate to send it back if anything looks or smells off.
Don’t forget to wash your hands after handling any menus or other items that may have been touched by other people. For example, if you are given a bread basket, wash your hands before eating any of the bread.
Make sure you’re only eating food that has been cooked properly. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and not eat it. Moreover, avoid cross-contamination by only eating food that has been prepared in a clean kitchen.
Another thing to remember when eating out is that you shouldn’t leave your food sitting out for too long. Bacteria can grow on food that is left out, so be sure to eat your food while it’s hot. If you take home leftovers, refrigerate them within two hours.
When eating out, always use common sense and trust your gut. If something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.
2. When grocery shopping
When grocery shopping, be sure to check the expiration dates on all food items. You should also check for any signs of damage, such as dents, cracks, or leaks. If you see any food that is past its expiration date or is damaged, do not buy it.
Also, check the temperatures of the refrigerated and frozen food items. Ensure the food is stored at the proper temperature to prevent bacteria growth.
When you get home, be sure to put the food away in a clean and organized manner. Store the food in airtight containers and label it with the date you bought them. This will help you keep track of when the food expires. Be sure to clean out your fridge regularly to get rid of any old or expired food.
This is all you need to know about food safety and how to stay safe when eating out or grocery shopping. Be sure to follow these tips to avoid getting sick. Thanks for reading!
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and I will be happy to answer them. Stay safe and healthy!
