Food Safety

Food safety seems to be a topic that is frequently in the news so it appeals to me as a stock photography subject.  On a personal level I am also concerned with the safety of the food I eat from dangers of salmonella to avoiding chemicals and hormones by eating organic when I can.


Foodsafety.gov is a website where you can educate yourself on the topic of food safety.  They also list the latest recalls and alerts so if you are questioning some food in your kitchen check the list before you consume it.

Here is a simple list of things you can do to help keep your food safe on a day to day basis.

• Wash countertops and utensils thoroughly before and after each use.  You can use 1 tablespoon bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water to sanitize too.
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling food.  That means using an antibacterial cleanser and washing for at least 20 seconds.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before serving.  Scrub those with a hard surface like cucumbers with a vegetable brush.
• Cook all meat and fish to the USDA recommended temperatures.  An added bonus to using a food thermometer is that your meats will stay juicy because they also prevent you from overcooking them.
• Use this chart when deciding how long to store food in the refrigerator or freezer before it is time to throw it away if not yet eaten.  You can also use this as a guide when cleaning out your refrigerator which you should do often.
• Check the sell by dates on the food you purchase, and before you consume foods already in your home.  Be careful of food sales - sometimes you need to eat the products quickly before they are expired.
• Drive directly home from the grocery store and put perishable items away immediately.  If you live more then 30 minutes away then bring a cooler with ice to help protect your groceries.

If you have any questions about Food Safety check with the USDA, these Fact Sheets are a good starting point.