How to Avoid Contamination in the Kitchen

With outbreaks of E. coli and other bacteria contaminated foods, people worry more than ever about food preparation safety. Although not all contamination can be completely avoided, much of it can be contained, minimized and eliminated with proper handling techniques and cooking. Take certain safety precautions to avoid contamination in the kitchen and keep yourself and others around you healthy.

Instructions

• 1

  Know that some grocers take better care in handling meat than other stores. Pay attention to the news and other information you come across regarding where contaminated foods come from. Ask friends and neighbors where they prefer to buy their perishable foods, such as meat.

• 2

  Consider buying meat from local vendors or from a natural food store, such as "Whole Foods." Realize, though, that any food you bring in from the outside may contaminate your kitchen.

• 3

  Take food handling precautions. Wash hands thoroughly and rigorously before touching food. Wipe down counters well with soap or antibacterial soap before preparing foods to avoid contamination in the kitchen.

• 4

  Avoid cross-contamination by keeping foods separate during preparation at all times. Wash all vegetables well and set them aside either in the refrigerator or in a separate place in your kitchen away from meats and fish to avoid contamination in the kitchen.

• 5

  Wash your hands each time you handle meat or fish. Keep raw meats and fish in a plastic, glass or metal dish or container. Put cooked meats or fish in new dishes or containers. Use wooden cutting boards only for breads and certain vegetables. (Know that germs embed and grow inside wood even after cleaning the surface of a wooden cutting board.)

• 6

  Change cooking utensils when cooking something new. Use different cooking utensils for each food you're preparing to avoid cross-contamination and avoid contamination in the kitchen.

• 7

  Wipe down counters often with an antibacterial soap and a disposable paper towel or an antibacterial wipe. Wipe counters each time food has been prepared on or near a counter area to avoid contamination in the kitchen.

• 8

  Avoid touching faucet knobs or handles with your hands after you've prepared food. Use disposable protective gloves if necessary and throw them away before touching the sink area. Hold a paper towel to turn water on if needed.

• 9

  Throw away old rags, sponges and scrubbers in your kitchen as they provide a prime breeding ground for germs. Microwave newer sponges for about two minutes to kill germs.