How can you keep the food away from germs?

There are several ways to keep food safe and free from germs or microbial contamination. Here are some key practices:

- Thoroughly wash your hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling or preparing food. This helps to remove any germs that may be present on your hands.

- Keep your kitchen clean: Regularly clean your kitchen, especially food preparation surfaces and utensils, with hot soapy water to eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms.

- Cover your food: Keep food covered when not in use to prevent it from coming into contact with airborne bacteria. This applies both to cooked and uncooked food.

- Refrigerate perishable foods promptly: Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours of cooking or purchasing. Keep your refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

- Cook food to the proper temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that meat, poultry, and fish are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature as recommended by food safety guidelines.

- Reheat leftovers to the proper temperature: When reheating leftovers, ensure they are heated until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

- Separate raw and cooked foods: Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from cooked foods and other ready-to-eat foods.

- Use clean utensils and cutting boards: Designate separate cutting boards and utensils for handling raw meat and other foods to prevent cross-contamination.

- Proper storage: Store food in airtight containers to keep germs out and to prevent food from drying out.

- Expiration dates: Pay attention to expiration dates and consume perishable food before it goes bad.

- Avoid leaving food out at room temperature: Bacteria grow quickly at room temperature. If food will not be consumed or refrigerated within two hours, it is best to dispose of it.

By following these practices and maintaining proper hygiene, you can significantly reduce the risk of food contamination and keep your food safe to consume.