How unkept food can make you sick in summer
Foodborne illnesses and summer months have a deeper connection and that's the reason we are often suggested to refrigerate cooked and raw food. But, did you know your refrigerator can also be the breeding ground of bacterial infections, if not cared well. A simple mistake of placing raw chicken above leftover milk or leaving raw meat above fresh cut fruits can increase health risks. Hence, keeping the seriousness of the matter, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, recently shared a post on X, that featured some important and simple tips ensuring food safety during the summer months. According to FSSAI, freshness of food in your fridge depends on how carefully different foods are kept segregated. Take a look at the tips and start following them at home.
Tip 1: For meat and seafood
According to the post, FSSAI suggests separating raw meat, poulty, and seafood from other foods to prevent cross-contamination. It is believed that raw meat and seafood often carry harmful bacteria and if the juice or water of these items drip onto fruits, vegetables, dairy products, or cooked food, contamination can spread instantly. Hence, it is important to store them carefully and separately in the fridge.
Tip 2: Set the right temperature
FSSAI also recommmends to keep the fridge below 5 degrees Celcius to slow down bacterial growth. A slightly higher temperature can create conditions where bacteria grow faster, which can further spoil the raw and dairy foods.
Tip 3: For egg storage
FSSAI recommends storing raw eggs in the fridge instead of pantry at room temperature. Also, avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs during summer months to avoid any infection or reaction.
Tip 4: Importance of defrosting
According to the regulatory body, which runs under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, one should clean the fridge inside out and defrost it every 2 weeks. It says that regularly defrosting your fridge, cleaning it thoroughly, and storing food properly can help protect your family from a range of avoidable health issues, including food poisoning and digestive infections. FSSAI also states that when ice and frost build up, they interfere with even cooling and can lead to uneven temperatures, spoilage of food, and even damage to the appliance over time.
Images Courtesy: istock
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