Health Department Issues Food Prep Safety Tips – The SandPaper

By Gina G. Scala | on December 28, 2020

With a new year on the horizon comes a reminder from the Long Beach Island Health Department that its important to learn the correct ways to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria that can cause food-borne illness.

Germs that cause food poisoning survive in many places, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, its important to wash hands and surfaces in the kitchen often with soap and water. When washing utensils, cutting boards and countertops remember to use hot, soapy water. Fruits and vegetables should be run under water prior to being eaten or used in cooking.

To stop the spread of food bacteria, the CDC suggests keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs separate from all other foods in the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination. Food should be cooked thoroughly to the right temperature, which can be aided by a food thermometer to ensure foods reach the internal temp that kills germs.

For whole cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb, the internal temperature should reach 145F (then allow the meat to rest for three minutes) before carving or eating. For ground cuts of meat, the temperature should reach 160F.

The safe internal temperature for all poultry, including ground chicken and turkey, is 165F. Fin fish should be cooked until its flesh is opaque, about 145F.

The danger zone for food is between 40F and 140F, according to the CDC. Bacteria can spread rapidly in these temperatures.

Refrigerating foods at the appropriate temperature is just as important as making sure it cooked all the way through. Food kept in the fridge should be at 40F or below. Refrigerate perishable food within two hours. Thaw out meat safely in the refrigerator using cold water, or in the microwave. Never thaw foods on the counter.

Leftover food should be thrown out after four days.

For more information about food-borne illnesses. visit cdc.gov/food safety or contact the LBI Health Department. G.G.S.

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Health Department Issues Food Prep Safety Tips - The SandPaper