Although the United States food supply is incredibly safe, around one in six Americans end up with food poisoning every year. Food poisoning occurs when your food is contaminated by nasty bacteria (like staphylococcus or E. coli), which is commonly caused by improper food handling or storage. Food hygiene at home therefore shouldn’t be an afterthought. By taking key food hygiene steps, you can better keep your kitchen hygienic and your food safe and fresh.
Keep Your Refrigerator at the Right Temperature
Keeping your fridge at the right temperature is essential for keeping bad bacteria at bay and, consequently, preventing the risk of food poisoning.
The ideal temperature for your refrigerator, according to the FDA, is at or below 40°F – however, by keeping it even lower at between 35°F-38°F, you can better protect your food from harmful bacteria (once it gets any warmer than 40°F, bacteria starts multiplying fast). 35°F-38°F is as cold as your food can get without freezing. In fact, temperatures any higher than this may even be too warm for your refrigerator (particularly if the in-built temperate gauge isn’t truly accurate).
In that case, you’ll also find the contents of your fridge goes off too fast, which in turn can cause tummy upsets thanks to bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.
Prevent Pests
One essential aspect of maintaining food safety in your kitchen is ensuring proper pest control measures are in place, such as contacting a reliable pest control company like pest control Columbus Oh to handle any infestations.
As many as 124 million households across the U.S. have reported seeing roaches in their homes in the past year, while 14.8 million have seen rodents. Pests carry a host of diseases, as well as the potential to damage your home.
Pest prevention should therefore be a key priority for everyone. So, for example, be sure to wipe down your counters regularly to ensure there’s no lingering crumbs or spills. Peanut butter, in particular, is a huge magnet for cockroaches and rodents.
You should keep the outside of the jar clean, and store it safely away in a closed cupboard. Ideally, you should also store dried foods like flours, grains, and seeds in food-safe jars or Tupperware; packets can be easy to spill and are tempting for pests.
Wash your Dish Towels Regularly
You may not realize it, but your dish towels are major breeding grounds for bacteria, particularly if they’re damp. It’s therefore crucial to wash them regularly.
Ideally, you want to wash your dish towels at 140°F or hotter (just be careful not to exceed the maximum temperature stated on the care label).
The high heat ensures bacteria and other nasties are killed successfully. Similarly, your washing-up sponges also harbor harmful bacteria, so you’ll also need to wash these just as often.
For example, you can soak them in an antibacterial sterilizing solution, before writing them out, and leaving them to air dry. You may also want to invest in sponges that can be machine washed at high heats like 140°F.
Food hygiene should be a key consideration in every kitchen. By keeping your refrigerator at the right temperature, preventing pests, and washing your dish towels regularly, you can prevent unwanted pests and germs and keep your kitchen safe.
Read Also
- Why Medical Debt Often Leads to Increased Financial Stress in Other Areas
Medical debt is one of the most significant contributors to financial stress in the United States. With rising healthcare costs, unexpected medical emergencies, and inadequate insurance coverage, millions of Americans find themselves burdened by medical bills that ripple through their overall financial stability. This article explores why medical debt often leads to financial stress in… Read more: Why Medical Debt Often Leads to Increased Financial Stress in Other Areas - Breaking the Stigma: How Open Conversations Can Transform the Way We View Eating DisordersEating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect millions of individuals and families worldwide. Despite their prevalence, they remain shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding, making it difficult for those affected to seek help or even acknowledge their struggles. Open conversations have the power to break down these barriers, fostering understanding, compassion, and support. By… Read more: Breaking the Stigma: How Open Conversations Can Transform the Way We View Eating Disorders
- Why Your Bed is Key to Rest and RecoveryA good night’s sleep is essential for your health and well-being, yet many people underestimate the role that their bed plays in ensuring quality rest. From improving physical recovery to enhancing mental clarity, the right bed is more than just a place to sleep—it’s the foundation of a restorative routine. Here’s why your bed matters… Read more: Why Your Bed is Key to Rest and Recovery
- Preparing for International Travel: Christmas Translation of Medical DocumentsWhen preparing for international travel during the holiday season, it’s essential to consider the necessary steps for a smooth and safe journey—especially when it comes to medical matters. The importance of preparing your medical documents for translation cannot be overstated. Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or to participate in a clinical trial, ensuring your… Read more: Preparing for International Travel: Christmas Translation of Medical Documents
- Best General Use Gloves for Restaurants & Catering BusinessesDeciding on the menu, stocking up the pantry with the essentials, and making sure the food is top-notch are all keys to running a successful restaurant or catering business. But your duties don’t end there. One thing—seemingly small yet important—people in the food service industry often overlook is safety. And when it comes to safety,… Read more: Best General Use Gloves for Restaurants & Catering Businesses
- Smile Brighter: Your Path to Lasting Dental HealthMaintaining oral health is crucial for overall well-being. Good dental habits give you a healthy smile and prevent severe health conditions. This comprehensive guide outlines effective practices and essential knowledge to keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition. The Importance of Dental Hygiene Dental hygiene goes beyond brushing your teeth. It encompasses a range… Read more: Smile Brighter: Your Path to Lasting Dental Health
- Six Symptoms that Warrant a Visit to a Boise NeurosurgeonA neurosurgeon specializes in the human nervous system. Typically, they concentrate on the spinal cord and brain within this system. They can expertly manage neurological problems including brain tumors, brain surgery, and bulging discs. A lot of people are living with chronic pain, but nobody deserves to live with this kind of pain. Often, patients… Read more: Six Symptoms that Warrant a Visit to a Boise Neurosurgeon
- The Science Behind Weight Loss Supplements: How They Support Your Fitness GoalsWeight loss supplements have become a prominent feature in the fitness industry, appealing to individuals eager to shed pounds and achieve their fitness goals. As consumers navigate this crowded market, it is essential to understand the science behind these supplements, their role in fitness, and how to use them effectively. This article aims to provide… Read more: The Science Behind Weight Loss Supplements: How They Support Your Fitness Goals
