If food is not cooked, stored and handled properly, germs can be spread and people can quickly become ill. To ensure you keep your kitchen hygienically clean, follow these golden rules:
Cross-Contamination
Which areas in the kitchen are most at risk for spreading germs?
Food preparation surfaces such as cutting boards and work
surfaces, and surfaces frequently touched with your hands, such as
the fridge door handle, cupboard handles, taps, waste bin and door
handles are the ones that harbour most germs, so it is important
to regularly clean and disinfect them.
How can I avoid spreading germs when preparing food?
You need wash your hands thoroughly, and clean and disinfect food
preparation surfaces regularly. Avoid cross-contamination by
separating raw and ready-to-eat foods while shopping, preparing,
and storing. Cook food thoroughly and chill it promptly.
How can I keep my kitchen hygienically clean?
Use an antibacterial surface cleaning wipe or a clean cloth and an
antibacterial multi-purpose cleaner or cleanser, or appropriate
disinfectant, to regularly clean and disinfect kitchen surfaces.
Remove food debris from surfaces promptly, and empty, clean and
disinfect your kitchen bin regularly.
Food Poisoning
What is food poisoning and how can I get it?
Food-borne illness or ‘food poisoning’ is caused by consuming
germs present in contaminated food or water. Germs that cause food
poisoning can easily spread from foods such as raw meat and
poultry, to hands or kitchen work surfaces, and in turn can spread
to other foods.
What are the symptoms?
Depending on the type of germ involved, the symptoms may begin
from one to 36 hours after eating contaminated food, and may range
from a mild stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhoea, to severe
illness. For those with weak immune systems, illness can be more
serious.