Food Safety

Foodborne illness is caused by bacteria like Campylobacter and Salmonella. Bacteria multiply very fast in warm, moist conditions. Luckily the illnesses these bacteria cause are avoidable. By following these simple food handling tips, you could be helping to keep your friends and family safe from foodborne illness. For indepth information about food safety visit the New Zealand Food Safety Authority

Clean

  • clean your hands by washing them with soap and drying with a clean towel
  • always wash your hands before handling any food and after touching raw meat and poultry, going to the toilet, changing nappies, touching pets and gardening
  • wash knives and other utensils and scrub chopping boards between preparing raw and cooked food
  • keep your fridge clean

Cook

  • defrost frozen foods thoroughly before cooking
  • pre-cook minced meat, sausages and poultry before barbecuing
  • minced meat and sausages shoud be cooked right through, and pork and poultry juices should run clear - use a meat thermometer to check temperatures
  • put leftovers in the fridge as soon as they're cool
  • reheat leftovers until steaming hot throughout and do not reheat more than once
  • do not put cooked meat back on the same plate that held raw meat.

Cover

  • always cover stored food - even in the fridge or cupboard
  • keep raw meat and poultry covered in the bottom of the fridge and away from ready-to-eat food, fruit and vegetables to avoid dripping juices
  • when cooking or eating outdoors ensure that all food remains covered and cool until ready to cook or eat
  • remember - the only time your food should be uncovered is when you’re eating it!

Chill

  • bacteria that cause foodborne illness thrive at room temperature - keep food very cold or very hot
  • ensure your fridge is operating at a temperature of between 2 and 4 degrees celcius
  • keep all perishable foods in the fridge until you are ready to use them
  • a chilly bin is a good way of keeping chilled and frozen products cold when taking them home from the supermarket
  • while picnicking, keep food cool by using a frozen chilly pad or drink bottle
  • defrost frozen foods in the fridge
  • marinate food in the fridge, not on the bench.