The COVID-19 outbreak has not only affected the entire human race mentally, emotionally, and economically, but has also affected people’s relationship with food. In such a situation people are enforced to follow food hygiene principles to eliminate or reduce the risk of illness. And so, to give you a helping hand, we have compiled some food hygiene tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle amidst this infectious atmosphere.
Stock Your Kitchen Wisely
Be a smart shopper! If possible, try to stock your kitchen with non-perishable food items like lentils, pulses, cereals, flour, rice, oats, pasta, dry fruits, nuts, and seeds, etc. These immune-boosting food items will last for a longer time and will also limit your trips to the store.
Keep Washing
Groceries must be washed thoroughly with clean water after they are brought home from the market. But, before washing the groceries, do wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Also, as a practise, always wash your hands before cooking and before eating.
Keep Perishable Items Refrigerated
Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc) are perishable foods that spoil easily. These foods (raw or cooked) should be stored in the refrigerator without fail. You should store certain vegetables and fruits in the refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
Pay Attention to Product Expiry Dates
Before you start cooking innovative food recipes for kids and other family members, make sure you check the expiry dates on all the food products. The expiration date is the date until when the food maintains its microbiological and physical stability. The expiry date also determines the usable life of a food product, both in terms of safety and quality. Hence, it’s important to use that food before the expiry date.
Dispose Kitchen Waste in an Appropriate and Sanitary Manner
Disposal of kitchen waste is very important else it becomes a prime base for insects, pests, and bacteria. Empty your kitchen waste-bins at regular intervals to avoid any kind of infections or diseases. Segregate kitchen waste into wet and dry waste, and appropriately discard them.
Use Clean Utensils and Other Appliances
Use clean utensils and appliances like food processors, blenders, eggbeaters, etc. Use a proper dishwasher liquid to get them cleaned. If possible, keep two cutting boards – one for meat/chicken and one for fruits and vegetables. Clean and rinse them thoroughly after each use.
Maintaining a healthy routine and building up a strong immune system has become the need of the hour. So if you are looking for a dietician or a nutritionist who can help you with a healthy diet meal plan – get in touch with Kanupriya Khanna. One of the best dieticians in Delhi – Kanupriya can offer you nutritional guidance and tips to help you live a healthy lifestyle.