Studies show that bacteria contamination is widespread in the kitchen after food is prepared, with the most bacteria found on the chopping board, followed by the counter top, human hands, oven handle, refrigerator handle, dish cloth and tap faucets. Mothers out there, you play an important part to keep the kitchen clean and your kids at bay from the unnecessary bacteria visitation.
Chopping boards
It is best to use two different chopping boards: one for raw food and one for fruit or cooked food. Bacteria can reside in the crevices of chopping boards, so this prevents bacteria in raw food from being transferred to cooked food.
Refrigerator
Whatever is in the freezer is deemed "dirty" and you have to wash your hands before and after handing frozen products. Avoid over packing the freezer so that products can be properly chilled. Raw food should always be placed on the lower racks. Any dripping raw food that is placed on top could contaminate the food below it. It is best to keep food in containers to contain leaks.
Plates
Towel dry your plates or let them dry into a holding basin. Do not leave unwashed plates overnight as these allow bacteria to germinate.
Sponges
Use soft sponges on plates and bowls to prevent scratches and tougher ones to scrub away the debris on rougher surfaces. Rinse the sponge after use and leave it to dry. Change your sponge once every three months or when it starts to flake.
Cooked food
Cooking does not kill the spores of the bacillus cereus, which can be found in rice and other starchy foods such as pasta, potatoes, pastries and noodles. As the food cools to room temperature, the spores regrow after one to five hours, releasing toxins which can cause nausea and vomiting, or what is known as the "fried rice syndrome". Bacillus cereus-induced food poisoning is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in Singapore. Eat food within an hour after it is cooked. Alternatively, let the food cool down a little and keep it in the refrigerator. Reheat it when you are ready to eat.
Raw food
The salmonella bacteria is commonly found in raw or undercooked eggs, raw poultry and meat. Wash hands with soap and water before and after handling raw food. Clean and disinfect surfaces and cooking utensils with a dish washing detergent after contact with raw food. Clean the eggs before you store them in the fridge.
Packaged food
Wash your hands before and after handling packaged frozen food as bacteria is found inside and outside them.
Humans
Humans are the biggest culprit of bacteria transmission. People who are handling food should tie up their long hair, avoid hair clips, avoid wearing items and keep nails short. This is to prevent clips from falling into the food, items from coming into contact with the food, contaminated hands and nails coming into contact with the food.
