Final answer:
Two top food safety practices are regular handwashing, which prevents the spread of contaminants, and cooking food to an internal temperature of at least 74 degrees C (165 degrees F) to kill harmful bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
Top Five Food Safety Practices When considering the top five food safety practices, two essential practices are paramount for maintaining safety. The first critical practice is regular handwashing. Always wash your hands before handling or preparing food, after using the bathroom, after handling raw meat or fish, before eating, and when you have been around sick people. The second vital practice is ensuring food reaches the correct internal temperature to kill bacteria. Cook all food to an internal temperature of at least 74 degrees C (165 degrees F). Use a cooking thermometer to verify this. Remember, these safety practices help prevent the spread of foodborne diseases.
Proper Handwashing: Thorough and frequent handwashing is crucial in preventing the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. Food handlers should wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before handling food, after using the restroom, and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
Safe Food Storage: Ensuring proper storage of food helps prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. This includes refrigerating perishable foods promptly, storing raw meat separately from ready-to-eat foods, and maintaining proper storage temperatures to prevent bacterial growth.