Don't put food poisoning on the menu: Mother's Day
Breakfast in bed is a treat many mums enjoy on Mother’s Day but to ensure you don’t land your mum sick in bed, simply follow a few food safety tips when you’re spoiling your mum this Sunday.
Some of the simplest rules are also the easiest way to prevent food poisoning.
Washing your hands is an important start, correct hand washing helps to prevent bacteria spreading to food and is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness.
Many lucky mums have their Mother’s Day brekkies prepared by their children but it’s important for them to be supervised when they’re preparing – it’s a great opportunity to pass on food safety tips to the younger members of the household.
Safe food preparation in the home kitchen is just as important as it is in commercial kitchens, cafes and restaurants.
Key food safety tips to remember when preparing food at home include:
Keep it hot
- Cook foods to at least 60 degrees Celsius, hotter for specific foods
- Reheat foods to at least 60 degrees Celsius, until they’re steaming hot
Keep it cold
- Keep the fridge below 5 degrees Celsius Put any food that needs to be kept cold into the fridge straight away
- Don’t eat food that’s meant to be in the fridge if it has been left out for 2 hours or more
Keep it clean
- Wash and dry hands thoroughly before starting to prepare or eat any food
- Keep benches, kitchen equipment and tableware clean and dry
Check the label
- Don’t eat food past its use-by date
- Note a best before date
- Follow storage and cooking instructions
- Be allergy aware
Certain groups of people are more susceptible to food poisoning, including pregnant women.
If you’re a mum-to-be this Mother’s Day its important you and your family are aware of the safest food choices available to you.
In addition to safe food preparation tips, the NSW Food Authority also provides advice about the types of food you should eat, and those you should avoid when you’re pregnant.
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