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Food Safety Tips For Your Holidays

jaschmidt | Jan 4, 2010 |

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You may not know that turkey defrosted on the kitchen counter, in place of a refrigerator, can contain such high levels of bacteria which can be harmful to humans, even if one can't taste, smell or see it?

It is true that home cooked food is the best during holidays and with the special effort which goes into preparing it the holiday meal can be spoilt if t you have not cooked or stored the food properly.

It is believed by all food experts that safe management of food must be of the highest concern when you cook your meals.

These may not convert you into an epicurean chef, following these easy ways to handle food will keep your guests as well as family secure from disagreeable, and at times serious ailments borne by food.

· When you purchase raw meat, see that the juices, which can have germs, do not contaminate your hands or other items in your grocery bag. It is best to use plastic bags for carrying them.

· Pick up meat once you have finished shopping for your grocery and place them in a separate bag from vegetables and fruits.

· In case you want to freeze the meat for a few months in the deep freezer, you must purchase freezer proof wraps. This normal wrap has been made to let air in the meat product and is not therefore, ideal for freezing. Beef products can become from purple to bright red if it is exposed to atmosphere, which makes it, look fresher, but if you leave it for very long it can promote the growth of microbes.

· You must defrost in sink filled with water or a refrigerator. Refrigerator lets the meat to thaw in an atmosphere which is controlled which slows the development of bacteria. It is nit advised to defrost meat on counter top at room temperature as it becomes the breeding place of bacteria. In fact rate of increase in bacteria multiplies very fast from 40F to 140F.

· You must wash your hands after as well as before you handle raw meat. It is also good to clean the plates or counter you want to use again in the process of preparation if there is raw meat sticking on them. This also contains damaging levels of microorganisms.

· Our skin also carries injurious organisms which if spread to food, produces a poison which standard cooking can't destroy. This makes it very important to keep our hands clean with water and soap before handling meat and also cover any open cuts.

· It is good to refrigerate prepared food within 2 hours, and so you must plan your meal in a way that it is eaten soon after it is cooked.

· You should finish eating the refrigerated food like fish, eggs, gravy and turkey in a day or two. It is possible for potatoes, meat casseroles, cooked noodles and pies, rice, to last for 2 or 3 days. You can keep chicken, cooked meat, turkey stuffing, as well as soups for almost 4 days before it gets harmful.

Healthy eating is promoted by having safe food-handling practice. You just have to follow these easy tips and you will have delicious and safe holiday meals.