While most people are pretty good at keeping their kitchens clean, foodborne illness still strikes more often than you’d think.
If you want to avoid a nasty stomach bug — or worse, a visit to the doctor — here are 10 essential hygiene tips.
Wash your hands
It may sound basic, but hand hygiene is one of the most crucial habits in the kitchen.
Always wash your hands before and during food preparation, when switching between ingredients, after using the toilet, blowing your nose, touching a pet, or handling a wound.
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Dirty hands are a major source of contamination in home kitchens.
Make sure your food is piping hot
Food needs to be thoroughly cooked to kill bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter.
When making stews or sauces, make sure the dish is piping hot before serving.
Chicken and minced meats should always be cooked all the way through.
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Unlike a rib-eye steak, where bacteria sit only on the surface, ground meat mixes the bacteria throughout.
Refrigerate leftovers faster than you think
Don’t wait too long before putting food in the fridge. Let it cool briefly, then store it.
Large portions should be divided into smaller containers to cool down more quickly.
Bacteria thrive between 20–40°C, so food must reach below 5°C quickly to stay safe.
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Handle raw meat with care
Always keep raw meat separate from other foods. Use different cutting boards and utensils, and wash everything thoroughly after use.
Even a few drops of meat juice can transfer bacteria to bread or vegetables, so caution and consistency are key.
Boil frozen berries
Frozen berries can contain viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A. Therefore, boil them for one minute before use.
This simple step kills off harmful microorganisms and makes them safe to eat in smoothies, cakes, or desserts.
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Rinse fresh herbs well
Fresh herbs might look clean and healthy, but they can be contaminated with bacteria from soil or irrigation water.
Always rinse herbs thoroughly, especially if you’re using them raw in dressings, sauces, or as garnish.
Change dishcloths and tea towels daily
A damp cloth is a playground for bacteria. Dishcloths and towels touch nearly everything in the kitchen, spreading germs from one surface to another.
Replace them daily, especially if you cook often or clean up raw meat juices.
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Clean your fridge regularly
A dirty fridge can become a bacteria hotspot. Wipe shelves regularly, remove food spills, and toss old items.
If you store lots of raw meat or unwashed vegetables, it’s wise to deep-clean more frequently than usual.
Watch out for danger zone temperatures
Don’t leave food sitting out, especially on warm days. Bacteria multiply fastest between 20–40°C. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
It’s a simple rule that helps prevent a lot of trouble.
Know what to do if you get sick
If you do fall ill from contaminated food, rest and stay hydrated. Symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common.
Usually, they pass on their own. But if you’re severely affected or symptoms last over 24 hours, call your doctor.
This article is based on information from Netdoktor.dk.