Food safety is vital for preventing food poisoning, illnesses and other related complications.

Here are some basic tips to consider especially in the festive season.

1. Wash Hands and Surfaces Frequently

  • Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food, especially raw meats, eggs, and vegetables. Clean countertops, cutting boards, and utensils after each use to prevent contamination.

2. Keep Raw and Cooked Foods Separate

  • To avoid cross-contamination, keep raw foods, particularly meat and seafood, separate from ready-to-eat foods like fruits and vegetables. Use different cutting boards and knives for raw and cooked foods.

3. Store Foods at the Right Temperature

  • Refrigerate perishable items (meats, dairy, eggs) promptly to keep them at safe temperatures. Your refrigerator should be set to 4°C or lower. Freezers should be set to -18°C to preserve the quality of frozen foods.

4. Cook Foods to Safe Temperatures

  • Ensure that meat, poultry, and seafood are cooked to the recommended internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria. 

5. Avoid Eating Raw or Undercooked Foods

  • Raw or undercooked foods, such as meat, eggs, and seafood, may contain harmful bacteria and parasites. Always cook foods thoroughly to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

6. Refrigerate Leftovers Promptly

  • After meals, refrigerate leftovers within two hours to keep bacteria from growing. If the room temperature is above 32°C, refrigerate leftovers within one hour.
  • In cases where there is no refrigeration, ensure food preservation methods such as drying, heating or salting is used.
  • Leftovers should be reheated to a temperature of at least 74°C to kill harmful bacteria. If not consumed within three days, dispose of leftovers

7. Use Safe Water for Cooking

  • Ensure that the water you use for cooking, cleaning food, or making drinks is safe. In some areas, boiling water before use can help prevent waterborne diseases.

8. Check Expiry Dates and Food Labels

  • Always check the expiration date on packaged foods. Consume products before their expiry date, and ensure that canned goods are free from dents or rust.

9. Avoid Eating Expired or Spoiled Foods

  • If food smells bad, has an unusual texture, or looks discolored, don’t risk eating it. It could be spoiled and harmful to your health.

10. Stay Hydrated and Avoid Overeating

  • Drink plenty of water to aid digestion, and avoid overeating. Opt for balanced meals to reduce the risk of digestive issues such as bloating/gas and other gut discomfort during the festive season.