Always keep raw and ready-to-eat food separate at all times. If raw food is allowed to touch or drip onto food that is ready to eat, harmful bacteria can be transferred. These bacteria can also be spread from hands, cloths, knives and chopping boards.
The transfer of harmful bacteria from one food to another is called cross-contamination and is a major cause of food poisoning.
Here are some basic rules to help you keep food safe.
- Don’t use the same knife or chopping board for raw meat, ready-to-eat food and raw fruit and vegetables unless they are cleaned thoroughly between uses.
- Wash hands regularly with warm water and soap to keep them clean, particularly before touching food, after using the toilet, after touching pets, after touching dustbins and whenever they look dirty.
- Wash dishes, worktops and cutlery with hot water and detergent.
- Keep dishcloths clean and change them frequently. Also change tea towels and hand towels regularly.
- If you have any cuts or grazes on exposed areas, make sure these are kept covered with a waterproof dressing. Don't wipe your hands on the tea towel - use a separate kitchen towel.
- Don’t allow anyone who is ill (or has recently been ill) with diarrhoea or vomiting into the kitchen, even if they’re not handling food.
- Prepare food that needs to be kept in the fridge last – don’t leave it standing around at room temperature, as this can allow harmful bacteria to grow.