What must you do before preparing food?

Before preparing food, you must follow these important steps to ensure food safety and hygiene:

1. Wash your hands:

* Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, handling raw meat, or touching your face.

2. Clean and sanitize surfaces:

* Wash all surfaces that will come into contact with food, such as countertops, cutting boards, utensils, and sink, using hot soapy water.

* Sanitize these surfaces with a bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach to 1 gallon of water) or commercial sanitizers.

3. Wash produce:

* Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water to remove dirt, debris, and potential contaminants.

* For leafy greens, you can soak them in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes to remove any lingering dirt.

4. Separate raw and cooked foods:

* Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat, poultry, and seafood to prevent cross-contamination.

* Store raw and cooked foods in separate containers in the refrigerator to avoid contact.

5. Cook food to the proper temperature:

* Use a food thermometer to ensure that meats are cooked to the recommended internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria.

* Consult the USDA guidelines for safe cooking temperatures.

6. Refrigerate perishable foods promptly:

* Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours of cooking or shopping, and within one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

* Store leftovers in shallow containers to allow for faster cooling.

7. Avoid cross-contamination:

* Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood away from other foods to prevent contamination.

* Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils thoroughly after handling raw food.

8. Don't overcrowd the refrigerator:

* Cold air needs to circulate properly in the refrigerator.

* Ensure that food items are not stacked on top of each other, allowing for adequate airflow.

9. Check expiration dates:

* Discard any food that has passed its expiration date, as it may have spoiled and become unsafe to consume.

10. Keep food storage areas clean:

* Clean your refrigerator regularly to prevent bacteria growth.

* Store food in airtight containers to prevent spoilage.

11. Be aware of food allergies and intolerances:

* Always read food labels carefully and be aware of any food allergies or intolerances you or your guests may have.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness and ensure that your meals are both safe and enjoyable.