Food safety requires handling food in ways that prevent germs. Germs, also called bacteria, get into foods in many ways and can make people sick. Millions of people get sick each year from illnesses caused by bacteria in food. Germs and bacteria are invisible, so food safety is important to keep them from growing on food. Kids can learn a few simple rules to keep their food and their families safe.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning occurs when you become sick as a result of eating food contaminated by bacteria. The most common bacteria, which make the most people sick, are salmonella, listeria, campylobacter and E. coli. The bacteria cause illnesses that range from a slight tummy ache to very serious illnesses that require hospitalization. The possibility of food poisoning is the most important reason to practice food safety.
Hand Washing
Washing your hands is the first rule for food safety. Hands do a lot of things all day and they pick up lots of germs. Germs grow quickly on hands and in food, so it's important to wash your hands with soap and water to get rid of germs and bacteria before touching food. Hand washing also is important after touching raw meat.
Storing Food
Some foods, like crackers, are kept in cabinets, but some food must be stored in the refrigerator.
Keep the following foods in the refrigerator: sandwiches, salads, meats, eggs, juices, milk and other diary products and opened containers of pudding or fruit. Foods left out on counters or tables can develop germs. Cover food and put it in the refrigerator. School lunches stay safer in insulated bags stored in cool places.
Clean Counts
Some foods are safer if they are washed before you cook or eat them. All meat is safer if washed. Fruits and vegetables are safer if you wash them before eating them. After you wash fruits like grapes or cherries, don't put them back in their original containers.
Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination is a big word for transferring germs or bacteria from one food to another. You can prevent cross-contamination by always using clean dishes and utensils when you eat. Plates, cutting boards or surfaces where raw meat was placed require cleaning before using them again for other food. Food safety means food is only placed on clean surfaces. Book bags should never be placed on counters or tables where food is placed.
Unsafe to Eat
Some food packages have dates that tell you when to eat the food. It's not safe to eat food after the "sell by" or "use by" date on the package. Food that smells bad, does not look normal or has mold on it may be unsafe and should not be eaten. Leftovers are safer if they are heated well to kill germs that can grow in food even in the refrigerator.
Make Sure Food is Done
Some foods can make you sick if eaten before they are adequately cooked. If you see a pink color or blood in your meat, before eating it ask an adult to check it out for you. Raw cookie dough can make you sick. The dough has raw eggs as an ingredient. Eggs can carry the salmonella bacteria.
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