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Buy cans and jars that look perfect. Do the cans have
dents? Don't buy canned goods that are dented, cracked, or bulging. These
are the warning signs that dangerous bacteria may be growing in the can. Are
the jars cracked? Do they have lids that are loose or bulging? The food may
have germs that can make you sick. Look for any expiration dates on the
labels and never buy outdated food. Likewise, check the "use by" or "sell
by" date on dairy products such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, and
sour cream and pick the ones that will stay fresh longest in your
refrigerator.
3. Store Food Properly
After shopping, get home as soon as you can. Then put
food into the refrigerator or freezer right away. Make sure to set the
refrigerator temperature to 40° F and the freezer to 0° F. Check
temperatures with an appliance thermometer. Be sure to refrigerate or freeze
perishables, prepared foods, and leftovers within 2 hours of shopping or
preparing. Place raw meat, poultry, and seafood in containers in the
refrigerator, to prevent their juices from dripping on other foods. Raw
juices may contain harmful bacteria. Eggs always go in the refrigerator.
4. Prepare Food Safely
Wash hands and surfaces often. Bacteria can be spread
throughout the kitchen and get onto cutting boards, utensils and counter
tops. To prevent this, wash hands with soap and hot water before and after
handling food, and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling
pets. Wash everything else before and after it touches food. Use paper
towels or clean cloths to wipe kitchen surfaces or spills. Wash cloths
before you use them again for anything else. Use the hot cycle of your
washing machine. Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops
with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item and before you go on to
the next item. A solution of 1 teaspoon of bleach in 1 quart of water may be
used to sanitize washed surfaces and utensils.
5. Cook Food Thoroughly
Cook food thoroughly until it is done. Cooked red meat
looks brown inside. Poke cooked chicken with a fork. The juices should look
clear, not pink. Dig a fork into cooked fish. The fish should flake. Cooked
egg whites and yolks are firm, not runny. Use a food thermometer to check
the internal temperature of meat, poultry, casseroles and other food. Use a
thermometer with a small-diameter stem. Insert the thermometer 1 to 2 inches
into the center of the food and wait 30 seconds to ensure an accurate
measurement. Check temperature in several places to be sure the food is
evenly heated.
6. Chill Food Promptly
Place food in the refrigerator. Don't overfill the
refrigerator. Cool air must circulate to keep food safe. Divide food and
place in shallow containers. Slice roast beef or ham and layer in containers
in portions for service. Divide turkey into smaller portions or slices &
refrigerate. Remove stuffing from cavity before refrigeration. Place soups
or stews in shallow containers. To cool quickly, place in ice water bath and
stir. Cover and label cooked foods. Include the preparation date on the
label.
7. Transport Food Safely
Keep cold food cold. Place cold food in cooler with a
cold source such as ice or commercial freezing gels. Use plenty of ice or
commercial freezing gels. Cold food should be held at or below 40° F. Hot
food should be kept hot, at or above 140° F. Wrap well and place in an
insulated container.
8. Reheat Food Correctly
Heat cooked, commercially vacuum-sealed, ready-to-eat
foods, such as hams and roasts, to 140° F. Foods that have been cooked ahead
& cooled should be reheated to at least 165° F. Reheat leftovers thoroughly
to at least 165° F. Reheat sauces, soups, and gravies to a boil.
9. Serve Food The Safe Way
Use clean containers and utensils to store and serve
food. When a dish is empty or nearly empty, replace with fresh container of
food, removing the previous container. Place cold food in containers on some
ice. Hold cold foods at or below 40° F. Food that will be portioned and
served should be placed in a shallow container. Place the container inside a
deep pan filled partially with ice to keep food cold. Once food is
thoroughly heated on stovetop, oven or in microwave oven, keep food hot by
using a heat source. Place food in chafing dishes, preheated steam tables,
warming trays and/or slow cookers. Check the temperature frequently to be
sure food stays at or above 140° F.
10. Complete Your Meal Experience Safely
Cooked foods should not be left standing on the table or
kitchen counter for more than 2 hours. Disease-causing bacteria grow in
temperatures between 40° F and 140° F. Cooked foods that have been in this
temperature range for more than 2 hours should not be eaten. If a dish is to
be served hot, get it from the stove to the table as quickly as possible.
Reheated foods should be brought to a temperature of at least 165° F. Keep
cold foods in the refrigerator or on a bed of ice until serving. This rule
is particularly important to remember in the summer months. Leftovers should
be refrigerated as soon as possible. Meats should be cut in slices of 3
inches or less and all foods should be stored in small, shallow containers
to hasten cooling. Be sure to remove all the stuffing from roast turkey or
chicken and store it separately. Giblets should also be stored separately.
Leftovers should be used within 3 days. Discard any food left out at room
temperature for more than 2 hours.
Article Source :
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