Final answer:
Foodborne illnesses are commonly caused by five food-handling mistakes: poor hygiene, cross-contamination, failure of temperature control, consuming raw or undercooked foods, and using contaminated water. Practicing proper food safety methods such as comprehensive handwashing, rotating pantry foods, thorough rinsing of produce, and correct food cooking temperatures can help prevent these errors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Five Most Common Food-Handling Mistakes
Foodborne illnesses are often the result of incorrect food handling. Here are five common food-handling mistakes to avoid:
- Poor hygiene: Not washing hands thoroughly before handling food can introduce germs like Norovirus and Salmonella to the food.
- Cross-contamination: Using the same utensils or cutting boards for different types of foods, especially raw meats, and vegetables, can spread Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) and other bacteria.
- Improper temperature control: Failing to keep food at safe temperatures can encourage the growth of bacteria like Clostridium perfringens and Campylobacter.
- Consuming raw or undercooked foods: Foods such as ground beef, raw milk, and sprouts need thorough cooking to kill harmful bacteria.
- Using contaminated water: Water that hasn't been properly treated can contaminate food and cause foodborne diseases.
Adherence to food safety practices like regular handwashing, rotating food in the pantry, rinsing fresh produce thoroughly, and cooking foods to the correct temperature can help prevent these mistakes and the transmission of foodborne diseases.