At the Redwood Empire Food Bank, we believe that everyone deserves safe, nutritious meals. While we work hard to provide food to our community, proper food handling at home is just as important. Follow these simple food safety tips to keep your meals safe and your stomach happy!
1. Clean Hands, Happy Stomachs: Before and after handling food, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice!). Scrub surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards with hot, soapy water to eliminate germs.
2. Keep It Separate: Cross-contamination is a real risk! Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs away from ready-to-eat foods. Use separate cutting boards and utensils to avoid mixing bacteria.
3. Cook It Right: A food thermometer is your best friend! Ensure your food is cooked to the right temperature:
- Poultry: 165°F
- Ground meats: 160°F
- Fish: 145°F
4. Cool It Down: Leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s over 90°F outside). Keep your fridge at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F to prevent bacterial growth.
5. Rinse It Off: Even if you plan to peel fruits and vegetables, give them a good rinse under running water to remove dirt and potential contaminants.
6. Avoid The “Danger Zone”: Bacteria thrive between 40°F and 140°F. Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot to prevent foodborne illness.
7. Thaw Like A Pro: Never thaw food on the counter! Instead, thaw food safely in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave.
8. FIFO For The Win: Follow the First In, First Out (FIFO) rule to prevent food waste. Use older food first to ensure nothing gets forgotten and wasted.
9. Store Smart: Store food in airtight containers and keep items at least six inches off the floor to protect against pests and contamination.
10. When In Doubt, Toss It Out: If something looks, smells, or tastes off, don’t take the risk. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Bonus Tip: Understanding Expiration Dates
Confused by best-by, sell-by, and expiration dates? Check out our Best By Info Sheet to make informed decisions and reduce food waste.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that the food on your table is both delicious and safe to eat. Stay mindful in the kitchen, and keep food safety a top priority!
