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
- Affordable and Effective Coquitlam Braces with My ORTHODONTIST
A confident smile is more than just a set of straight teeth—it’s a reflection of self-esteem, health, and happiness. For families in Coquitlam, finding braces that are both affordable and effective can sometimes feel like a challenge. That’s where My ORTHODONTIST steps in, offering trusted orthodontic care that helps patients achieve beautiful smiles without breaking… Read more: Affordable and Effective Coquitlam Braces with My ORTHODONTIST - A Guide to Senior Behavioral Health: Supporting Aging Minds With CareWhat keeps the mind strong and healthy in later years of life? Aging brings unique changes that affect how older adults think, feel, and connect with others. Mental and emotional health often play a key role in overall well-being. Seniors may face stress, sadness, or confusion due to life transitions. Family and caregivers may sometimes… Read more: A Guide to Senior Behavioral Health: Supporting Aging Minds With Care
- Transforming Mental Health Care: Embracing Remote Therapy for Michigan ResidentsThe Digital Shift in Mental Health Services The therapy landscape has been rewired by technology at a speed that would make any traditionalist blink. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 96% of psychologists reported providing telehealth in 2020, compared to just 7% the previous year. That surge wasn’t a fad—it was an overdue modernization.… Read more: Transforming Mental Health Care: Embracing Remote Therapy for Michigan Residents
- The Role of Community in Assisted Living: Enhancing Quality of LifeHave you ever thought about how being part of a community can make life better in assisted living? Living near friendly neighbors and caring staff gives you more than safety-it brings friendship, fun, and shared moments. Joining in activities, events, and daily routines helps you feel happy, active, and valued. Being part of a group… Read more: The Role of Community in Assisted Living: Enhancing Quality of Life
- Choosing the Right Dental Veneers for Enhanced Aesthetic AppealA bright smile can boost your confidence. If you want a quick way to improve your teeth, dental veneers may be the answer. They can hide stains, chips, or gaps and give you a natural look. But with many choices, it can be hard to know what is right for you. In this post, we… Read more: Choosing the Right Dental Veneers for Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
- How Self-Heating Eye Compresses Revolutionize Dry Eye TreatmentHave you ever experienced eyes that feel dry, irritated, or constantly tired? Dry eye syndrome has become increasingly prevalent due to prolonged screen time, environmental factors, and the aging process. Many people struggle to find relief that is both safe and effective. Traditional eye drops often bring only temporary comfort. Warm compresses work well but… Read more: How Self-Heating Eye Compresses Revolutionize Dry Eye Treatment
- Choosing the Right Body Cosmetic Enhancements for YouMore people than ever are choosing body cosmetic enhancements to improve their appearance and boost their confidence. From simple treatments to full surgeries, there are many options available today. But with so many choices, it can be hard to know what’s best for you. Making the right decision means understanding what you want, learning about… Read more: Choosing the Right Body Cosmetic Enhancements for You
- Boosting Athletic Recovery Through St. George Massage TechniquesSetting the Stage: Precision Bodywork for Athletic Demands High-level training is not gentle. It grinds muscle fibers, tests tendon resilience, and locks connective tissue into microscopic knots. The wear is specific, not general, which is why one-size-fits-all relaxation rubdowns barely scratch the surface. Athletes need work that hunts down structural tension with purpose, not a… Read more: Boosting Athletic Recovery Through St. George Massage Techniques
