Home cooking safety tips.

Keep your cooking area clean: 

Before you start cooking, make sure your countertops, utensils, and cutting boards are clean and free from any potential contaminants.

Wash your hands: 

Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling any food, especially after handling raw meat, poultry, or fish, and after using the bathroom.

Separate raw and cooked foods: 

Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meats, poultry, seafood, and their juices separate from other foods. Use different cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods.

Cook food thoroughly: 

Use a food thermometer to ensure that meat, poultry, seafood, and egg dishes are cooked to a safe internal temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. Refer to a safe cooking temperature guide for specific temperature recommendations.

Use proper storage: 

Store perishable foods, such as meat, dairy products, and leftovers, in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. Keep your refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) and freezer at or below 0°F (-18°C).

Defrost safely:

If you need to defrost frozen food, do it in the refrigerator, microwave, or in cold water (changing the water every 30 minutes). Never defrost food at room temperature, as it allows bacteria to grow rapidly.

Handle leftovers properly:

Store leftovers in shallow, airtight containers and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. Consume or freeze leftovers within a few days.

Avoid cross-contamination:

Clean and sanitize cutting boards, utensils, and countertops after preparing raw meat, poultry, or seafood, and before using them to handle other food items.

Be cautious with hot objects:

Use oven mitts or hot pads to handle hot pots, pans, and dishes. Be mindful of hot surfaces and avoid touching or placing flammable materials near them.

Stay attentive: 

Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when using the stove or oven. Take extra care when using hot oil or deep frying to prevent accidents or fires.

Keep children away from the kitchen:

Make sure to establish a "no-go" zone for young children in the kitchen to prevent accidents and injuries. Keep sharp objects, hot surfaces, and hazardous materials out of their reach.

Be prepared for emergencies: Keep a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit in or near your kitchen. Know how to use both and have emergency contact numbers readily available.

By following these home cooking safety tips, you can minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses, accidents, and injuries while enjoying your home-cooked meals.