New Cook's Corner

Food Safety and Cooking

Nothing can spoil a good time like foodborne illness.  Remember to use these Food Safety Tips during your cooking.

Vegetable Brush and Thermometer

  • Wash hands ✋ with soap and water at the start of cooking and after handling eggs, egg shells, raw meats, or seafood.
  • Wash hands with soap and water after touching your face or eye glasses.
  • Use a clean dish towel, and change these frequently.
  • Vegetables, fruits, and other raw produce should be placed under cold running water, while rubbing gently or using a clean fruit and vegetable brush.
  • Use a spoon only once when tasting food during cooking.
  • Wash all cutting boards, counters, and any dishes after touching raw eggs, meat, or seafood to avoid cross contamination.
  • Discard marinades that have been used on raw foods.
  • The DANGER ZONE is between 40℉ to 140℉ (5℃ to 60℃).  This is the temperature range in which bacteria flourish and grow quickly.  Allow food to stay in the danger zone in as little time as possible, and no longer than 2 hours maximum.  Remember to keep cold food cold and hot food hot. 
  • With hot leftovers, allow the food to cool a bit in small shallow containers, and then place it in the refrigerator or freezer for storage. 
  • Food should be reheated to an internal temperature of 165℉ (74℃) – check by using a reliable food thermometer.

For more food safety guidance go to:

  1. Food Safety Education.  United States Department of Agriculture and Food Safety and Inspection Service website.  https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education
  2. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.  www.eatright.org.  Type “Food Safety” in the search bar for articles.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Food Safety.  https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety.

One Comment

  • Barbara Bowling

    Love the cook/nutritionist! Great picture, Anne.
    I just bought 3 meat thermometers from Costco.
    We won a Po’Man Grill at a farm meeting.
    Works great, but making sure the meat gets to the right temp makes me happy especially when sharing food with others!

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