Personal hygiene is an essential part of cooking and food preparation, as it helps to prevent the spread of illness and infection. Here are a few important personal hygiene practices to follow when cooking:
- Wash your hands: Before and after handling food, and after using the bathroom, change a diaper, or blowing your nose.
- Keep hair tied back: Long hair should be tied back or covered to prevent it from falling into the food.
- Wear clean clothes: Make sure you wear clean clothes and an apron when cooking.
- Avoid touching your face: This will prevent the transfer of germs and bacteria from your hands to your face.
- Keep your cooking area clean: Keep your cooking area and tools clean and sanitized, this includes counter tops, cutting boards, utensils and appliances.
- Keep raw food separate: Keep raw meat, poultry, fish and eggs separate from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
- Cook food to the right temperature: Make sure to cook food to the right temperature to kill any harmful bacteria.
- Keep hot food hot and cold food cold: Foods that are supposed to be hot should be heated to and served at 140°F or above, cold food should be stored at 40°F or below.
- Avoid preparing food when sick: If you are feeling ill, it’s best to avoid preparing food for others until you are feeling better.
- Keep your work area clean and sanitized: This includes using cleaning products, such as sanitizing sprays and wipes to keep your work area, utensils, and equipment clean.
By following these personal hygiene practices when cooking, you can help ensure that the food you prepare is safe and healthy to eat, and also protect your health and that of others. Remember to always comply with local and industry regulations, guidelines and laws to ensure that your food is safe and hygienic.
