The kitchen is often called the heart of the home. It’s where we gather and prepare the food that keeps us well and healthy. However, as in other rooms of your home, there are dangers lurking in the kitchen that can make you sick. Some of the troublemakers can cause a few days of digestive upset but others can be deadly, especially to young children and to those with compromised immune systems. If you are feeling sick, it’s time to take a look around your kitchen and possibly change some habits.

Improper Food Handling

One of the biggest health hazards in your kitchen is you and how you handle food. If food is not cooked and handled safely, bacteria can multiply rapidly, causing foodborne illnesses that can range from a few hours of digestive upset to death.

Are you guilty of any of these missteps?

1. Undercooking Foods: Foods should be brought to the proper temperature needed to kill bacteria. Runny egg yolks, sushi, or raw cookie dough are particularly dangerous for young children or anyone with a weakened immune system.
2. Leaving Leftovers at the Wrong Temperature: Improper food temperatures simply invite bacteria, yeast, and mold to thrive. Hot foods must be kept above 140 degrees F and cold foods should be stored below 40 degrees F. This includes foods that are being thawed or marinated. Never leave these foods out on the counter for extended periods. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator or more quickly in the microwave and use immediately.
3. Using Unwashed Produce: All fresh produce should be washed before eating or using in cooking to remove bacteria and pesticides.
4. Rinsing Off Raw Meat: Raw meats should not be washed before cooking. Washing or rinsing off raw meat in the sink simply spread any bacteria to sinks and counters. Cooking at a proper temperature will kill potentially harmful bacteria.
5. Cross-Contamination Between Raw and Cooked Foods: Never use the same plate to marinate raw meats or take them to the grill that you use for serving the final product. At the grocery store, keep raw foods separate in the shopping cart from prepared foods. At home, store raw products in leak-proof bags and away from prepared foods in the refrigerator or pantry.
6. Skipping Hand-Washing While Cooking: As you move through the food preparation steps, wash your hands frequently, especially after handling meats, eggs, and fresh produce.