Soaring summer temperatures expedite bacterial growth in food
In the summer months, it's crucial to take extra precautions when handling perishable foods to prevent foodborne illnesses. Here are some tips to help you stay safe.
First and foremost, when cooking eggs, ensure they are cooked thoroughly on both sides. This will help eliminate any harmful bacteria. Once cooked, discard the egg shells and packaging immediately.
Raw ground or poultry meat, eggs, products derived from them such as puddings, creams, cakes, and ice cream, as well as meat products, poultry, and deli salads, require special attention. It's important to handle these items with care during the summer months.
When preparing food, use separate boards for vegetables and meat. This will prevent cross-contamination. It's also recommended to use plastic boards for food preparation, as they are easier to clean.
When grilling, it's important to keep grilled food, salads, and dressings and sauces in the refrigerator as little as possible. High summer temperatures are ideal conditions for harmful germs to multiply, so it's best to keep perishable food as cool as possible.
A cooler bag is recommended for transporting perishable food. This will help keep the food at a safe temperature during outings.
Food that may contain salmonella, such as poultry, game, fish, eggs, crustaceans, mollusks, should be stored separately from other food and at temperatures as low as possible, preferably below +7°C. It's also best to prepare these items separately to reduce the risk of contamination.
It's important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before each meal preparation and after handling raw food. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria.
Some bacteria can produce toxins that survive the heating process. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that meat, fish, and eggs are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 75°C.
Avoid dishes containing raw eggs, meat, or fish. Consumers should ensure perishable food reaches the refrigerator as quickly as possible.
Lastly, store waste in closed containers outside the kitchen to prevent attracting pests.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your summer meals safely and worry-free. Stay cool and stay safe!
