FORT FRANCES—Northwest Health Unit wants you to be aware of some simple food safety tips to prevent food-borne illness, especially when enjoying that summer barbecue.
Food safety is important everywhere, including in your home. If food is not prepared safely, it can cause food-borne illness. Most food-borne illnesses are preventable and are a result of poor food handling methods. According to NWHU following these simple tips can help ensure food is prepared safely.
Clean before during and after cooking:
- Wash your hands often when preparing food. For more information about washing your hands well, visit Health Canada’s hand washing and staying healthy page
- Wash all of your utensils, cutting boards, counters with hot soapy water after preparing each type of food item and before moving onto the next item.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables before use.
Cooking your food to the right temperature:
- Ensure that you cook all food to the correct temperature.
- Use a thermometer to make sure the food researches the correct temperature.
- Never use leftover marinade for basting or as a sauce unless you cook it before use.
Make sure you are cooking meat to the right temperature and serving all foods safely.
NWHU reminds the public that remembering these simple cooking tips whether inside the home or outside on your barbecue can help prevent food-borne illness and ruin a great eating experience this summer.
