If food is not cooked, stored and handled properly, germs can be spread and people can quickly become ill. To ensure you keep your kitchen hygienically clean, follow these golden rules:
Cross-Contamination
Which areas in the kitchen are most at risk for spreading germs?
Food preparation surfaces such as cutting boards and work surfaces, and surfaces frequently touched with your hands, such as the fridge door handle, cupboard handles, taps, waste bin and door handles are the ones that harbour most germs, so it is important to regularly clean and disinfect them.
How can I avoid spreading germs when preparing food?
You need wash your hands thoroughly, and clean and disinfect food preparation surfaces regularly. Avoid cross-contamination by separating raw and ready-to-eat foods while shopping, preparing, and storing. Cook food thoroughly and chill it promptly.
How can I keep my kitchen hygienically clean?
Use an antibacterial surface cleaning wipe or a clean cloth and an antibacterial multi-purpose cleaner or cleanser, or appropriate disinfectant, to regularly clean and disinfect kitchen surfaces. Remove food debris from surfaces promptly, and empty, clean and disinfect your kitchen bin regularly.
Food Poisoning
What is food poisoning and how can I get it?
Food-borne illness or ‘food poisoning’ is caused by consuming germs present in contaminated food or water. Germs that cause food poisoning can easily spread from foods such as raw meat and poultry, to hands or kitchen work surfaces, and in turn can spread to other foods.
What are the symptoms?
Depending on the type of germ involved, the symptoms may begin from one to 36 hours after eating contaminated food, and may range from a mild stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhoea, to severe illness. For those with weak immune systems, illness can be more serious.