Know How Cooking Affects Food Safety Even when foods are handled correctly up to this step in the food preparation process, bacteria and other contaminants may still be present. Cooking foods to the safe internal temperature will destroy any existing bacteria but may not kill toxins or bacterial spores. Follow Food Safety Guidelines for Cooking Foods Follow equipment manufacturer’s directions and standardized recipes to avoid overloading baking pans. Stir foods cooked in deep pots frequently to ensure even heat distribution and thorough cooking. Avoid overloading fryers. Allow the oil temperature to return to the required level between batches. Regulate the size and thickness of each portion to make cooking time predictable and uniform. Cook like-size portions together. Never interrupt the cooking process. Partially cooking poultry or meat, for example, may produce conditions that encourage bacterial growth. Use a clean and calibrated thermometer to monitor the accuracy of heating equipment. Use a clean and calibrated thermometer to check that food reaches the required safe internal temperature during cooking. Check food temperature in several places, especially in the thickest parts, to make sure the food is thoroughly cooked.5 To avoid getting a false reading, be careful not to touch the pan or bone with the food thermometer. Always cook food to the required safe internal temperature and appropriate time. Use a serving utensil or single-use glove to avoid cross-contamination. Taste foods correctly to avoid cross-contamination. Place a small amount of food from the food container into a small bowl. Step away from the food container and taste the food with a teaspoon. Remove the used bowl and teaspoon to the dish room. Never reuse a bowl or spoon already used for tasting. Wash hands before and after tasting.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Aug 2013 11:48:42 +0000
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