Final answer:
To maintain safe food handling, one should regularly wash hands, rotate food in the pantry, rinse fresh produce, and cook food to an internal temperature of at least 74 degrees C using a cooking thermometer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Four Pieces of Advice for Safe Food Handling
Ensuring safe food handling is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Here are four pieces of advice that can help maintain safe food practices:
- Regular handwashing is essential. Wash hands before and after handling or preparing food, and before eating, to defend against the spread of foodborne diseases.
- Practice proper food rotation in your pantry. Use older items first and check for expiration dates, especially for perishable items like meats and dairy that only last a few days in the fridge.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly, even if you don't intend to eat the outer skin or rind, as washing can reduce the risk of contaminating the inside of the food when it's cut or peeled.
- Cook food to a safe internal temperature, which is at least 74 degrees C (165 degrees F) to ensure bacteria are killed. Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature.