Food safety resolutions

By Angie Monk, Wood County Extension Agent
Posted 1/20/22

Many people make resolutions for the new year — things that you have decided to learn or improve on and are determined/resolved to complete. How about making some food safety resolutions for …

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Food safety resolutions

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Many people make resolutions for the new year — things that you have decided to learn or improve on and are determined/resolved to complete. How about making some food safety resolutions for the new year? Here are some to get started.

1. All meals should start with clean hands.

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before preparing food, and after handling raw meat, flour and eggs. Proper hand hygiene for all ages helps ensure the health of everyone.

2. Handle fresh produce like a pro.

Rinse all your fruits and veggies before eating them. Gently rub fresh fruits and veggies under cold running water just before eating, even if you plan to peel them. Scrub firm-skinned produce with a clean vegetable brush under running water. Bacteria can spread from the outside to the inside during cutting or peeling. 

3. Buy (and use) a food thermometer.

Food is safely cooked when it reaches a high enough internal temperature to kill the harmful bacteria that cause food-borne illness. Use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature of cooked meat, poultry and egg dishes to make sure the food is safe to eat.

4. Store food in the fridge safely.

Refrigerate foods quickly because cold temperatures slow the growth of harmful bacteria. Keep a constant refrigerator temperature of 40 °F or below on an appliance thermometer to keep foods safe to eat. Do not over-stuff the fridge, and clean it out regularly. Eat, freeze or throw away leftovers within 3-4 days.

5. Teach others how to handle food safely.

People with a higher risk of food poisoning include children younger than 5 years, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems and adults 65 and older. Make sure these folks know and practice safe food handling.

For this new year — and beyond — make a renewed commitment to home food safety and hand hygiene for the benefit of all. Good health is always a great goal!