You should keep in mind safety measures while preparing food especially for kids. It is very important. Usually, many people are not aware of the precautions they should take. Read on to learn about the top 10 tips for safe food preparation for kids.Safe food preparation means avoiding the spread of bacteria right from the time you buy foods to preparing and storing food items. Handling food safely helps you protect your kids from becoming victim of
food related illnesses.
Food that is not prepared safely may contain bacteria and unsafe food spreads food related illnesses and infections. Fortunately, you can prevent your kids from food related illnesses by handling food safely when buying, preparing and storing food items.
Tips While Buying Food
- Make sure you buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Check for ‘best before’ dates on packaged foods.
- Check eggs before buying and do not buy if there are any cracks on them.
- Buy refrigerated foods at the last and store them in fridge as soon as you come home.
- Wash fruits and vegetables as soon as you get back home.
Top 10 Tips for Safe Food Preparation for Kids
Have a quick look at the top 10 tips for safe food preparation for kids.
1. Wash Your Hands Before Preparation of Food
The first thing you need to do when cooking for kids is to wash your hands properly and thoroughly. Hands are one of the major sources of spreading germs. So, it is very important that you wash your hands after touching the bin, using toilet, before cooking and eating and after cooking and eating meals as well. Wash your hand thoroughly with soap and clean water before preparing meals for kids.
2. Keep Kitchen Clean and Hygienically Safe
The most important part of
food preparation is cleaning. It is not just that you clean the food item, but you need to maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and keep your utensils clean as well.
3. Wash Raw Fruits and Food
Wash fruits and vegetables with plain running water so that all germs, pesticides and dirt get washed away.
4. Handle Raw Meat and Poultry with Special Care
Keep raw meat and poultry in the right temperature or cook as soon as you bring it home. Make sure you cook these items properly and to the right extent so that there is no chance of food related infection.
5. Cook eggs properly
It is good to cook eggs till the yokes or whites are firm. Also, store eggs in the place recommended for them in the fridge within 2 hours of buying them. Take extra care when preparing food items that include raw eggs.
6. Food Safety When Using Microwave
Microwaves have eased the cooking time and effort to a great extent. However, it is very important that you use it properly because if not used correctly, it can cook food unevenly and make it dangerous to consume. Make sure you rotate and stir food when cooking in a microwave. Do not take the food immediately after the microwave stops because the process of cooking continues even after the
microwave stops.
It is safe to keep the leftovers immediately into the fridge. If you leave the leftovers for long, bacteria may multiply quickly and turn the food dangerous.
8. Eat the Leftover Food as Early as Possible
Store the leftovers and make sure you consume them within 1 day. Do not freeze uncooked food items or the foods that contain mayonnaise. Make sure you avoid giving leftover food to kids as much as possible. Always give freshly prepared food to your kids.
9. Reheat Food to Steaming Hot
When you need to reheat leftovers, make sure you reheat them to steaming hot, if possible up to the boiling point. Also, take care that the entire food is reheated and not just the sides and edges.
10. Clean up Kitchen and Utensils
Wash the kitchen top, chopping boards and utensils after cooking. They can be a source of cross contamination if left untreated. Use warm soapy water to clean the tops and chopping boards. Even damp sponges and towels can be a place for bacteria to breed. Wash and replace them frequently.
Keep the above tips in mind and prepare and serve safe food for your kids and family. You should keep in mind that the process of cooking of food is as important as the preparation and storing of foods.
Food poisoning or infection of any food related illness is possible when food is not properly cooked. Young children and older people are more likely to get infected and so extra care should be taken when preparing, cooking and keeping aside food for them.
Although, you can protect your kids and other family members from food related illnesses by cooking, storing and handling food correctly, it is advisable to educate your children about health and hygiene so that they take care at their ends also.
What measures should be taken while preparing food for kids? How to avoid food related illness in kids? How to develop hygienic eating habits in kids? Discuss here.