The Latest Food Handling Best Practices That You Should Use Right Away

Did you know that less than 88% of US people use separate cutting boards for raw meat? This practice is essential if you want to avoid cross-contamination with other foods.

As a restaurant owner, it would help if you kept your patrons safe from foodborne illnesses. To ensure that you’re keeping your customers safe, follow the latest food handling best practices.

Spreading information about food safety measures is the best way to keep your restaurant staff safe from the risks of foodborne illness. So, start by learning about these best practices and spread the knowledge to your kitchen staff.

For more information on food safety best practices, keep reading.

Proper Handwashing Techniques

One of the most important best practices is proper handwashing. Hands should be washed with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds and then rinsed with clean water. Hands should be dried with a clean towel or air dryer.

It is also essential to wash your hands after touching surfaces that may be contaminated, such as doorknobs, countertops, or cutting boards. In addition, you should avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, or eyes, while preparing food.

Minimizing Food Contamination

Cross-contamination is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness. To help prevent this, you should immediately use the latest food handling best practices.

If you are using raw meat, poultry, or seafood, keep them separate food storage from other food items: Cook meat, poultry, and seafood to the recommended internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Lastly, avoid letting food sit out for too long.

Bacteria can multiply at warm temperatures, so refrigerate food promptly. Following these simple guidelines can help minimize the risk of food contamination.

Food Handling: Storing Food Safely

Whether you are storing food safely in your pantry, fridge, or freezer, there are specific steps you should take to ensure that your food stays fresh and safe to eat. For example, when storing raw meat, wrap it securely and keep it separate from other food items.

If you are storing cooked food, allow it to cool completely before storing it. Lastly, always check the expiration dates on food items before you purchase them, and be sure to use them before they expire. 

Kitchen Equipment Sanitation

Familiarizing yourself with the importance of food safety training to your employees is also important. It includes all surfaces that come into contact with food, including countertops, cutting boards, knives, and utensils.

After each use, food contact surfaces should be cleaned with hot water and soap and sanitized with a bleach solution or commercial sanitizer. Non-food contact surfaces, such as the floor and walls, should also be cleaned regularly.

Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness

The latest food handling best practices are easy to follow and help keep you and your family safe. Be sure to wash your hands for 20 seconds, cook food to the proper temperature, and avoid cross-contamination.

By following these simple steps, you can help prevent foodborne illness.

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