Five pathogenic things in the kitchen

According to the US Centers for disease control, 76 million Americans get sick because of food every year. You can’t guarantee 100% safety of food, but you can reduce the risk of illness through some preventive methods. Some methods are common, such as washing hands before eating. Others are rarely noticed.

five pathogenic things in the kitchen

1. Kitchen dishwashing cloth

In a study by the National Science Foundation of the United States, after subjects wiped several items in the house, they found that the dishcloth in the kitchen had the most bacteria. In fact, there are more than 150 times as many bacteria, molds and yeasts on the dishwashing cloth as on the toothbrush. When you clean, bacteria will stick to the cloth, but because you don’t often disinfect the dishwashing cloth before use, bacteria will accumulate. Of course, most bacteria do not cause diseases, and some bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, can cause serious diseases. The best way to reduce the bacteria on the dishwashing cloth is to put the soaked dishwashing cloth in the microwave oven for two minutes every day, and change a dishwashing cloth every two weeks.

2. Refrigerator

Low temperature will slow down the proliferation of bacteria, so make sure that the temperature in the refrigerator at home is not higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to reduce the risk of foodborne diseases, a thermometer can be placed in the refrigerator, which helps to control the temperature and ensure the freshness of food.

3. Cooking board

Uncooked raw meat and fish contain many bacteria, which will pollute cooked food and fresh food. The best way to reduce this pollution is to cut raw food, cooked food or fresh food with two vegetable boards.

4. Uncooked eggs

If you like to eat soft eggs, you should be careful. The USDA advises people (especially children and the elderly) not to eat raw or undercooked eggs as far as possible, because it is easy to catch some food borne bacteria, such as Salmonella. If you have to eat raw or half raw eggs, you can consider pasteurized eggs. Except that they have been sterilized, they are no different from ordinary eggs.

5. Recalled food

Those recalled foods had better be thrown away, because they are all related to the outbreak of foodborne diseases. According to a survey by Rogers University, only 60% of Americans will check whether there is food recalled due to bacterial contamination in their homes. No matter when you receive the food recall information, you must check the food stored at home to ensure its safety.