In the process of cooking meals, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen is essential.
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has issued guidelines to ensure safe meal preparation, focusing on the order of food prep and hygiene habits to prevent cross-contamination with harmful germs.
One key precaution is the **order of food preparation**:
1. Prepare raw meats and poultry first, ensuring they are cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria and prevent foodborne illness. 2. Thoroughly clean all utensils, cutting boards, and work surfaces used for raw meats before moving on to other foods. 3. Prepare foods that are eaten raw or require no further cooking, such as salads, raw vegetables, or desserts, after the raw meats have been handled.
Washing hands frequently is another crucial step in maintaining food safety. It is particularly important when switching between preparing raw and ready-to-eat foods to avoid transferring bacteria.
The BfR also recommends heating dishes during meal prep, as most microorganisms die at temperatures between 70 to 100 degrees Celsius. Foods should reach at least 70 degrees Celsius for two minutes during both preparation and reheating.
Careful washing of fruits, vegetables, and fresh herbs before preparation or consumption is also essential. Peeling root vegetables like cucumbers and carrots can further reduce the risk of infection. However, the BfR does not specify a need for peeling these vegetables during meal prep.
It's worth noting that indirect transmission of germs can occur via hands, utensils, work surfaces, knives, or other kitchen tools. The BfR does not mention the risk of indirect transmission via these means in this specific paragraph.
The BfR advises heating raw animal products, raw sprouts, and frozen berries before consumption to protect against illness.
In summary, the recommended order is to prepare raw meats first, clean thoroughly, and then prepare other foods, especially those eaten raw, with a strict emphasis on washing hands and surfaces to prevent germ transfer during meal prep. Cooking raw poultry thoroughly is also vital. By following these guidelines, you can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne illness.
- In line with the BfR guidelines, it's essential to prioritize 'science' and 'health-and-wellness' by observing the order of food preparation, which involves cooking raw meats and poultry first, and ensuring they reach the proper 165°F (74°C) temperature.
- To maintain the 'lifestyle' of a safe and healthy meal, always remember to wash hands frequently, especially when switching between preparing raw and ready-to-eat foods to minimize the risk of transferring bacteria.
- For optimal 'food-and-drink' safety, the BfR recommends heating dishes during meal prep, as this helps eliminate most microorganisms that may cause illness.
- In addition to cooking, 'home-and-garden' cleanliness plays a significant role. Make sure to give fruits, vegetables, and fresh herbs a good wash before preparation or consumption, and consider peeling root vegetables like cucumbers and carrots to further reduce the risk of infection.
