Are you aware of these food safety myths?
Food safety is highly important. By following food safety rules, you will have a better chance of staying healthy and preventing food-borne illness.
There are many myths floating around that give people false ideas about food safety. Knowledge is power, so here are some of the main myths so that you can avoid them and the consequences of following them.
Food Safety Myths
- It Is Ok to Keep Food Out Longer Than Two Hours
Although some people make a meal, leave it out during the entire meal and then don’t clean up for several hours after, this is not a good practice. The general rule is that at normal room temperature, you must put food away after two hours or else throw it out. If it is extremely warm, the safe time period is one hour only.
- You Will Know If Food Has Gone Bad by Its Smell, Look or Taste
Food that has gone bad is not always obvious. Although some food develops a bad smell or mould, not all food does. Always use the rules that state a certain time that the food will remain in good condition, instead of relying on your senses.
- Thawing Meat at Room Temperature Can Be Safe
Many a mother and grandmother thaw their Thanksgiving turkey or hamburger meat on the countertop. Just because some manage to do it and not get sick, though, does not mean the risks are not there. Always thaw meat in the fridge, even if it means having to think ahead and taking it out earlier.
- Rinsing Raw Meat Is Helpful in Eliminating Bacteria
Many people still rinse their raw meat before cooking it. This is more of a habit than a helpful practice, though. Rinsing meat doesn’t magically wash away bacteria, and washing it can even spread the germs around as the water splashes against it, making the situation worse.
- Foods That Are Not Animal Products Can’t Do Much Harm
Cross-contamination can happen in naturally occurring bacteria of fruits and vegetables, which is why your produce tray should always be washed regularly. Rice that is kept at room temperature for too long after being cooked can become dangerous when bacillus cereus spores grow, producing a toxin that causes illness. Although animal products contain plenty of harmful microorganisms within, other foods contain them as well.
- Food Is Fine until the “Best Before” Date
Although a “best before” date is given as a general rule, a general rule is all it is. Some foods go bad faster, depending on storage and other factors. This is why the milk you bought that doesn’t expire for another few days might be sour when you open it up.
Food that is opened and then left can also go bad more quickly than when it was sealed. It can also work in the other direction, though, as some packaged dry goods last longer than the “best before” date advertised – they may simply begin to lose their nutrients at that time.
There are many food safety myths floating around. Knowing the facts can prevent both food waste and sickness. Learn them now and never wonder whether your food is safe again.
Tips for Teaching Your Child about Food Safety
Food safety is an important and valuable life lesson. If you are a parent, teaching your child about food safety is one of the most practical and worthwhile lessons you can give to him (or her). Here are some of the major highlights of what you need to teach your child about this important subject.
Prioritize the Issues
There are a great number of things you as a parent will teach your child, and a great number of food safety tips alone. You may not be able to teach your child each and every single rule about food safety, so concentrate on those that are the most important. Begin with the rules that are foundational, and build on them little by little.
Make It Fun
Children learn best when they are having a great time. Make a game out of learning food safety rules. Focus on having fun, and make it a goal of helping your child to remember at least a few rules from each food safety learning session.
Don’t Scold
No child learns well when their parent is hovering around angrily. If you want your teaching to have a positive and lasting impression, don’t scold your child. If he doesn’t learn everything right away or does something wrong when you are watching… simply teach again and move on.
Use Real Life Situations
Real life is the best teacher. When you are baking together, point out food safety tips that are relevant to what is going on at the moment. When you are putting food away, talk about why. If you ask your child to do something and it involves food safety, educate him on the information surrounding it instead of just making a demand.
Teach by Example
Your child will not learn much if your actions are contradicting your words. As you work with food in your day-to-day life, think about food safety and be sure to follow the rules yourself. Know that your child’s eyes are watching you at all times, even when you are not expecting it. Don’t be the parent who says one thing and does another.
Turn It into an Event
A fun way to teach food safety to children is by creating an event to learn and display what they have learned. Plan a special supper or party with your child that you will prepare together. Plan the food, and talk about the rules you will need to follow. Incorporate the learning you have done with a chance to prove how much easier life is when these guidelines are followed. Your child will have a memorable event to help him remember why he is learning these concepts, and great memories with his parent.
Because food safety is an important subject for each and every person, make an effort to teach it to your child. Use a variety of opportunities that will help cement the concept in your child’s mind. By raising a child who understands food safety, you will improve his life and the lives of those around him.
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