Kitchen Safety and Hygiene 

Kitchens are the heart of a household. A slight carelessness in maintaining kitchen hygiene may attract cockroaches and rats which in turn may lead to the family succumbing to food-borne diseases like stomach infection, food poisoning, et al. 

Maintaining proper kitchen hygiene doesn’t only entail keeping your worktop spic-and- span…there’s a lot more involved.

Moreover, carelessness and haste in the kitchen may also lead to fatal accidents

Here are some dos and don’ts to ensure kitchen safety and hygiene -

DON’TS

• Cook when you are sick
• Wipe off perspiration with your bare hands
• Sneeze into food
• Scratch your body while cooking/serving
• Clean your ears with your fingers
• Rush around in the kitchen – this will prevent unnecessary messes or accidents
• Leave gas and electric appliances unattended

DO 

• Keep your finger nails short and clean
• Use different chopping boards and knives for cooked and raw food
• Work on a clean surface
• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap
• Keep your hair tied up
• Turn off the gas when not using the stove
• Store dangerous (sharp or hot) objects safely
• Use equipment and utensils in line with their intended purpose 
• Place a first aid kit and fire extinguisher within reach 
• Regularly sanitize all the kitchen rags - scrubbers, mitten, aprons, and counter wipe 
• Soak vegetables and fruits in salt water for about half-an-hour before consumption; and then wash them in running water prior to cutting them 
• Clean the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator once a week 
• Ensure there is always ample space available in the refrigerator for air to circulate

Follow these pointers and you’ll be able to keep your kitchen and food safe and hygienic.