You may have seen the dirty dining specials on the evening news. Few people want to consume food that has been tainted by insects or rodents. Still worse, careless preparation by food handlers can lead to E. coli contamination and a host of other harmful bacteria. You can minimize the risk of consuming dirty foods by following these simple steps.
Step 1
Buy Organic. The U.S. Department of Agriculture certifies organic foods that have been held to a higher standard of farming, production and handling. Any food carrying this seal must follow certain regulations. Purchasing organic foods increases the chances that your foods have been handled with care and that the integrity of the product is intact. Furthermore, buying local organic produce minimizes the amount of travel that your food endures. In some cases, you can buy straight from the farm and see for yourself the conditions from which your food is born.
Step 2
Prepare your own food. When you prepare your own food, you have the greatest control over its contents and handling. If you have a hectic schedule, prepare most of your food for the week in one day. Freeze leftovers and bag your lunches, but be sure to observe the rules of food safety. According to the National Food Safety and Inspection Service, food should be kept colder than 40 degrees or hotter than 140 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the proliferation of harmful microbes in your foods.
Step 3
Observe good hygiene practices. Wash your hands. Unless you live in a bubble, your hands are laden with bacteria. Keep your kitchen clean. Your home can just as easily harbor rodents and insects as a dirty restaurant if you are not vigilant about cleaning and disinfecting. Lastly, do not use the same utensils while cooking multiple food items to avoid cross contamination.
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