It is easy to make a mistake in the kitchen regardless of your cooking expertise. Sometimes, you are in a hurry, and other times, some steps just slip your mind.
When you make a mistake in a recipe, it isn’t the end of the world, as you can always just start from scratch. But if you make a mistake regarding food safety, the consequences can be much more serious. So, next time you’re cooking something, make sure to avoid these common food safety mistakes.
Failing to Wash Your Hands
The first and most important step before you start cooking is washing your hands. It sounds simple, but people tend to forget about it. This prevents cross-contamination of ingredients, utensils, and cookware.
Washing Meat
Meat is already sterilized and prepared for cooking when you buy it from a grocery store. There is no need to wash it as you can contaminate your kitchen surface this way.
Using the Same Kitchenware for Cooked and Raw Meat
Make sure to have separate utensils, plates, and containers for cooked and raw meat to avoid cross-contamination and bacteria spread. If you are low on kitchenware, then make sure to give them a good scrub before using them again.
Placing Warm Food in the Refrigerator
If you want to refrigerate leftovers, make sure they cool down before doing so. Otherwise, the temperature in the fridge will spike and become suitable for bacteria growth.
