The rising temperatures during the summer months increase the risk of foodborne illnesses. Bacteria are everywhere and grow rapidly in warmer temperatures. Bacteria cause food poisoning and thrive in warm, humid conditions, making it even more important to follow strict food safety practices. Whether you are hosting a party, traveling or cooking at home, here are some essential tips to ensure food safety during the summer.
Also read: Tips for staying cool while cooking in the summer
Here are 9 essential tips for food safety this summer:
1. Control the temperature when storing food:
Proper temperature control for storing cooked and uncooked food is the first step towards food safety. Bacteria grow best between four degrees centigrade and 60 degrees centigrade. Therefore, it is important to keep cold food cold and hot food hot.
Tips to remember when storing cold food:
– Refrigerate perishable foods such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs and dairy products at four degrees Celsius or below.
– Use a cooler with ice packs to keep food cold when transporting or storing it.
– Keep coolers in the shade and open them rarely to maintain the temperature.
Tips to remember when storing hot food:
– Keep hot food at 60°C or above until serving.
– Use insulated containers to keep food warm when transporting it.
Also read: Heatwave 2024: Health Ministry issues advisory on food items to avoid heat
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2. Follow the two-hour rule:
Serve hot food immediately and don’t leave it out for more than two hours. And if the temperature is above 32°C, keep it for one hour. If in doubt, don’t eat the food. Always remember that safe food handling practices prevent spoilage.
3. Wash your hands properly:
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food. This is the first step toward preventing infection. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Clean all surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards with hot, soapy water.
4. Separate and store food carefully:
To avoid cross-contamination, keep raw meat and cooked food separate. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetables.
5. Cook at the right temperature:
Meat, poultry and fish cook faster on the outside than on the inside. In fact, it takes time for the internal temperature to reach the desired point. You can use a food thermometer to check whether foods are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
– Chicken should be cooked to a temperature of 74°C
– Ground meat must be cooked to 71°C
– Beef, pork, lamb and veal (steaks, roasts and chops) should be cooked to 63°C with a three-minute rest
– Fish should be cooked to 63 degrees Celsius.
Also read: Summer shopping guide: 5 essentials you should have in your pantry
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6. Refrigerate leftovers at the right time:
Storing food at a temperature that helps bacteria grow is the main cause of infection. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours (one hour if the temperature is above 32°C). Store leftovers in shallow containers to cool them quickly. If you are out, travelling or hosting a party, handling large quantities of food and doing so in a short time sometimes leads to cutting corners. Make sure you pack the food with ice and keep the cooler in the shadiest part of the car. This is also perfect for carrying lunch to work. Leaving your lunch box in the car in the sun can spoil it.
7. Drink safe drinking water:
Always carry a water bottle with you. While it may seem tempting to do so while on vacation, avoid drinking water from ponds, rivers, and lakes.
Also read: These summer fruits with over 80% water content help you stay hydrated
Photo Credit: iStock
8. Cool the food before storing:
The trick is to cool the food completely before storing it. To do this, divide the food into smaller portions before placing it in the refrigerator. When reheating stored food, cook it to at least 74 degrees and check that the internal temperature is correct.
9. Do a visual and smell check:
As soon as you look at a food item, you can easily identify if it has a bad texture or a change in its consistency. Smell also indicates that food has gone bad. Avoid tasting the food to find out if it has gone bad. Remember, even half a teaspoon can be infectious!
By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy the summer months without any hassles while minimizing your risk of foodborne illness. While food safety is important year-round, it’s even more critical during hot weather, when bacteria can grow rapidly. Be cautious, be safe, and enjoy your summer meals with peace of mind.
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