Food Safety at Home
How Do I Ensure the Food I Prepare and Serve is Safe to Eat?
Germs that cause foodborne illness do not taste or smell bad so you may not know they are in your food. They grow best in foods that are high in protein and moisture, are not overly acidic, and at temperatures between 4°C–60°C also known as the temperature danger zone. These germs double in numbers every 20 minutes when left at this temperature range. High numbers can make you sick. You can keep your food safe by following the steps below:
- Separate: keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate when you shop, store and prepare foods, and keep food covered
- Clean: wash hands, fruits and vegetables, counter tops and utensils before you start and between tasks
- Cook: cook foods to the recommended temperature and keep hot foods hot at 60°C or higher
- Chill: cool foods in shallow containers and keep cold foods cold at 4°C or lower. Thaw food in the refrigerator
Remember to follow the above food safety practices when you:
- Shop for Food
- Thaw Food
- Prepare a Meal
- Cook Food
- Cool Leftovers
- Preserve Food by Canning, Freezing or Drying
For more information check out these resources:
- Shop Safe Tips Food Safety Tips while Eating Away from Home
- Food Safety Considerations for Gardening Projects
- Safe Preserving
How Can I Keep My Food Safe When I Am Away From Home?
Packing food to take with you to work, school or an outing needs a little planning to make sure you can keep food safe while away from your home. The following resources provide some simple tips to help reduce the risk of you getting foodborne illness while eating on the go.
Food Safety Tips while Eating Away from Home
- Food on the Go
- Food Safety at Buffets
- Pack a Safe Lunch for your Kids
- Questions to Ask When Choosing a Caterer
- Food Safety within School Kitchens
The Following Food Safety Resources are Specific to Certain Types of Foods
Food Safety Tips for Meat and Protein Rich Foods
- BBQ Facts
- BBQ Hamburgers
- Safe Cooking Temperatures
- Let’s Talk Turkey
- Handling Processed Chicken Products
- Don’t Wash Your Chicken – Video
- Slow Cookers and Food Safety
Food Safety Tips for Fruits, Vegetables and Juices
- Produce Safety
- Natural Toxins in Food
- Unpasteurized Juice and Cider
- Safe Food Handling Tips for Preserving Your Harvest Presentation
- Herbs in Oil
Food Safety Tips for People at Higher Risk of Foodborne Illness
Some people are at higher risk of becoming very sick if they eat food that causes a food borne illness. These guides offer helpful advice on how to reduce your risk of food poisoning.