Food prep and consumer health - Pt 1

Martin Baxter, Gleaner Writer

The recent spate of food-related hospitalisations in Manchester and Kingston has placed standards in food preparation and culinary hygiene at the top of the agenda. The suspected food poisonings at a Chinese restaurant in Mandeville and also, allegedly, a branch of a popular American restaurant in Kingston, is forcing consumers to assess how, where and what they choose to eat. But what about in your home? Here is a list of healthy food-preparation techniques that could save you from being bed-bound with stomach cramps and a nasty case of 'running-belly'.

Chopping boards

Chopping boards can be a breeding ground for deadly bacteria like salmonella and E.coli. Safe food preparation practices suggest that hardwood chopping boards are the best material for daily use and that it is important to have several chopping boards to prevent contamination of different food types - separate boards for meat, and vegetables/fruit. They are more hygienic than both plastic and marble chopping boards that harbour more bacteria. Be sure not to soak your wooden chopping board after use. A gentle wash with hot water and dishwashing liquid will keep your board as clean as a whistle.

Clean surfaces

Surfaces used in the preparation of food must be kept clean and sterile to prevent the spread of germs. Like chopping boards, kitchen worktops often harbour bacteria that can contaminate food and cause pathogen related illnesses. Cleaning liquids and wipes that have anti-bacterial properties are ideal for your surfaces.

Washing hands

Our hands are often the first point of physical contact with the world and thus can easily be exposed to bacteria and other microbes. Keeping hands clean underpins all good hygiene practices, and this is of vital importance during the preparation of food.

Reheating food

Bacillus cereus is the bacteria commonly associated with rice (mainly fried rice) and other starchy foods such as pasta or potatoes. Heating these food items until piping hot is the only prevention from contracting these infections. Raw meat and eggs can also be a source of salmonella, and the only safeguard against this infection is to cook food thoroughly.

Based on the recent claims of food poisoning at two of the island's popular eateries, next week we will look at some of the ways you can ensure that the food you buy and eat away from home is safe for you and your family.