Food Safety Tips

The kitchen can be a dangerous place, and not for the reasons you are thinking. While you can be burned by hot stove tops or cut by sharp knives, the real danger lies elsewhere. Improper handling of your food can lead to food poisoning and other illnesses. Keep yourself and your stomach safe by following these tips.

• Store your raw meat on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator. Not only will this help keep it fresh for longer since it is the coldest area of the refrigerator, but it will prevent raw juices from dripping and contaminating foods beneath it.
  
  
• Refrigerated food should never be kept out more than 2 hours. When buying groceries, make sure to get them in the refrigerator in under two hours (one hour if the temperature of the air is 90° or higher) – after that they will no longer be good. 
   
• Use a separate cutting board for your meat. Avoid contaminating your fruits and vegetables by keeping a separate cutting board just for your raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
  
  
• Always wash your hands before and after dealing with food. Your health is in your hands, make it a habit to wash them with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after you deal with food.
  
  
• Replace or sanitize your sponge every two weeks. Sponges provide the dark, moist climate that bacteria love. Replace yours every two weeks or sanitize it by throwing it in the microwave for two minutes to keep it clean and germ-free.
  
  
• Always cook food thoroughly. Avoid food poisoning and other illnesses by making sure to thoroughly cook all of your foods. Pork and poultry should be white on the inside and juices from red meat should run clear, not pink.
  
  
• Keep your refrigerator at 39°F or below. 40° and up is referred to as “The Danger Zone” because bacteria growth rates begin to triple. For optimal fresh food storage, keep your refrigerator between 34-38°.

If you notice that your fresh food constantly spoils before its expiration date, you may have a problem with your refrigerator. New York residents can count on 24/7 Refrigerator Repair for fast service at an affordable price. Our experts can fix any make or model of refrigerator or freezer, and we are on call 24/7/365. Contact us at any time to schedule a same-day appointment by calling 866-782-9376.