Parents take several important precautions to keep foodstuffs safe, including:
- Keeping food covered to protect it from dust, insects, and other contaminants.
- Storing food at appropriate temperatures, such as refrigerating perishable items promptly to slow bacterial growth.
- Washing fruits and vegetables properly before eating or cooking.
- Checking expiry dates on packaged foods before buying or consuming.
- Using clean utensils and washing hands thoroughly before handling food to prevent contamination.
- Avoiding cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from other foods and using different cutting boards and utensils.
- Cooking foods to safe temperatures to kill harmful germs, verified with a food thermometer.
- Chilling cooked or perishable food within recommended time frames (within 2 hours, or 1 hour in hot weather).
- Cleaning surfaces, hands, and kitchen tools often to maintain hygiene throughout food preparation.
These steps help prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure the food stays fresh and safe for consumption at home.
