Food Safety Basics
Food safety is the practice of handling, preparing, and storing food in a way that prevents
foodborne illness. Each year, millions of people around the world get sick from eating
contaminated food. To keep food safe, it is essential to follow basic safety guidelines.
One of the primary principles of food safety is keeping hands and surfaces clean. Bacteria
and viruses can easily spread from unwashed hands, dirty countertops, or cutting boards to
food. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling food and
after handling raw meat or eggs is crucial. Additionally, cleaning surfaces and utensils
thoroughly helps to reduce the risk of contamination.
Another important rule is to keep raw and cooked foods separate. When raw meat, poultry,
and seafood come into contact with ready-to-eat foods, bacteria can transfer to these foods.
It is recommended to use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables to avoid
cross-contamination.
Cooking food to the right temperature is also essential for food safety. Certain bacteria can
survive if food is not cooked properly. Using a food thermometer is a good way to ensure
food is cooked to a safe temperature. For example, chicken should be cooked to an internal
temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria.
Finally, storing food correctly helps prevent the growth of bacteria. Refrigerating perishable
foods, like meat and dairy products, at or below 40°F (4°C) slows down the growth of
harmful bacteria. Foods should also be stored in airtight containers to keep them fresh
longer.
Following these food safety practices can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness and
ensure that meals are safe to eat.
Questions
Why is food safety important?
A) It prevents food from tasting bad.
B) It reduces the risk of foodborne illness.
C) It makes food look more appealing.
What should you do before handling food?
A) Only wash your hands if you handled raw meat.
B) Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
C) Clean the floor and walls of the kitchen.
How can cross-contamination be avoided?
A) By cooking food at high temperatures.
B) By using the same cutting board for all foods.
C) By keeping raw and cooked foods separate.
What is a safe internal temperature for cooked chicken?
A) 150°F
B) 165°F
C) 180°F
Why is it important to refrigerate perishable foods?
A) To make them taste better.
B) To prevent bacteria from growing.
C) To keep them warm.
Answers
B - Food safety reduces the risk of foodborne illness.
B - Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
C - Cross-contamination can be avoided by keeping raw and cooked foods separate.
B - A safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F.
B - Refrigerating perishable foods prevents bacteria from growing.
