Foodborne diseases are a major health threat, but people often ignore them. Did you know that in 2010, foodborne diseases caused 175,000 deaths? Our kitchens house millions of bacteria and viruses because of spilt cooking oil, dirty kitchen handles, pest infestations, bad storage, etc., which can cause serious illnesses and health issues. Hence, having a healthy kitchen should be a priority for each and every one of us.
What are the Causes of Foodborne Illness in the Kitchen?
Here’s a list of potential causes for foodborne diseases originating in kitchens:
- Improperly storing food products like cooking oil without considering their required temperature and not using airtight containers expose them to oxidation and decay.
- Making food on dirty kitchen surfaces like countertops, sinks, and cutting boards can mix bacteria in your food.
- Cooking food without cleaning your hands at frequent intervals can transfer bacteria.
- Using unclean clothes and utensils can also contaminate your food.
- Pest infestation is also a major cause of foodborne diseases.
How can You Keep Your Kitchen Safe from Foodborne Diseases?
Here are some tips to keep your kitchen clean and safe from foodborne illnesses:
Cleanliness is Key
Keeping your house clean is a basic necessity but general house cleaning is not enough for your kitchen. A kitchen can house many kinds of germs and bacteria that you can’t clean with your regular cleaners. We must regularly clean certain areas in our kitchen that can potentially spread germs. For example, countertops, refrigerator and cabinet handles, kitchen corners, old cutting boards, vegetables and raw food products etc.
Practice Proper Food Storage
Each food product comes with storage instructions. If you don’t follow these instructions, the product may rot. For example, you must store your dairy products in the refrigerator to avoid decay. Similarly, you must store your ready-to-eat items like unpolished dals, dry fruits and cooking oils in airtight containers.
Maintain Refrigerator and Freezer Temperature
Keep track of your refrigerator and its temperature fluctuations to keep your stored food safe. It should ideally have a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below to provide optimum conditions for your food.
Practice Safe Food Handling
Storing food properly is not enough; you must also learn to handle it safely. Constantly cooking food without washing your hands properly will cause cross-contamination. So, wash your hands at regular intervals.
Regularly Inspect and Clean Kitchen Appliances
We often ignore kitchen appliances and they end up housing bacteria. For example, the internal layers of your toasters, microwave ovens and blenders often store food residue on the edges as these appliances are prone to spillage, which harbours bacterial growth. This bacteria then transfers to your food and causes illnesses. Hence, invest in proper appliance cleaners and clean them regularly.
Follow these tips to keep your kitchen clean all the time. A clean kitchen will keep you safe and improve your health. Working in a clean kitchen will make you feel good mentally. Remember, good kitchen hygiene is not just a good habit; it is a necessity for your health.
