Hygiene in Kitchen

Hygiene refers to practices associated with ensuring good health and cleanliness in the kitchen. In broader terms, hygiene is the maintenance of health and healthy living. Hygiene can be defined as destruction of harmful bacteria in food by proper cooking, prevention of growth of bacteria in food by adopting safe storage practices, and avoiding cross-contamination of safe food.

Does heat kill bacteria?

If heat is used in preparation of food, then it kills or deactivates potentially harmful organisms including bacteria and viruses. This depends on temperature, cooking time, and technique used. Please note that refrigeration and freezing do not kill bacteria but only slow their growth; bacteria can only be killed with proper heat while cooking.

Are cutting boards important to clean?

Cutting boards can be a potential foundation for breeding bacteria and can be hazardous unless safety precautions are followed. Plastic cutting boards are less porous than wooden boards and are less likely to harbor bacteria. Regardless of the type, washing and sanitizing cutting boards is very important, especially after use with raw meat, poultry, seafood, or citrus fruits.

Hot soapy water wash followed by an antibacterial rinse is best for sanitizing cutting boards.

Points to maintain hygiene in your kitchen:

• Cleaning of food preparation areas and equipment
• Thorough cooking of meats
• Dish sanitizing by washing with soap and clean hot water
• Washing of hands before and after meals
• Not using the same utensil for preparing different foods
• Proper storage of food to prevent contamination by vermin (airtight)
• Refrigeration of food
• Disposal of uneaten food

Factors causing the growth of bacteria in food items:

• Temperature
• Time
• Moisture
• Food itself

Bacteria multiply very fast. Under ideal circumstances, bacteria double the size of their cells and split to create more cells. Destruction of bacteria is possible only through heating between 100°C to 140°C. Spores under the bacteria can survive and revive under favorable conditions. Certain bacteria release toxins which can cause severe illness or even death. Therefore, it is important to consume fresh, washed, and properly cooked food.

Food Hygiene starts with Personal Hygiene

Germs pass easily from hands when in contact with food. Therefore, it is very important to wash hands properly before cooking.