Double-Dipping, the 5 Second Rule, Washing Meats on Cutting Boards, & More
I do not have a germ-phobia but recently I was watching an episode on the news and then later on a television show and both discussed some very good health habits that I thought I would share on AR.
5 Second Rule- Even though you want to make sure your children's immune system develops properly (they need exposure to good and bad bacteria for that), too much of the 5-second rule isn't healthy. It depends on what hit the ground (wet things like apple slices and pacifiers collect germs quickly; harder, dryer candies or crackers, not so much) and where it landed (the sidewalk is surprisingly clean, say researchers, while your kitchen floor may have bacteria from raw meat juices and other foods that can cause gastro-upset).
If nasty bacteria are lurking underfoot, it takes ingesting about 10,000 of them to get sick. Any fewer and the body usually fights them off rather easily. So, how soon can those 10,000 glom on to a dropped pacifier? In a flash — whether it's been 1 second or 30 — it's covered with bacteria. Picking it up and giving it a quick rinse under running water may reduce the amount to an acceptable level — around 1,000. Do you have pets and is there a lot of foot traffic in your home?
What you do NOT want to do is put hand sanitizer on the object. It's not made for mouths! Instead, travel with spare pacifiers and sippy cups; use water to rinse off food and objects when possible. Really stuck? Wipe it off with a paper towel or throw it away!
Cutting Boards- Plastic vs. Wood: There is a lot of conflict here among experts but most say it is better to use a plastic cutting board as it washes up better than wood. Wood is naturally porous and the groves and cracks harbor germs plus most people do not put their wood cutting boards in the dishwasher and the scientists feel washing off the plastic board and running it through the dishwasher is the most effective way to clean the board.
But to go a step further, when the plastic board starts getting cuts in it, it will start to harbor germs so this is the time to throw it out and replace it with a new one.
Double Dipping vs. Individual Plates:An episode of Dr. Oz examined double-dipping as well. Several bowls of used chip dip were sent to a lab to examine the bacteria. Dr. Oz’s lab assistant found Group B Streptococcus, which is a bacteria found in the intestines and nether-regions which implies that hands were not properly washed after using the restroom.
So the answer is to add a spoon to the dip bowl and set some plates out beside the dip and chips. If you are serving veggies, cut them in bite size pieces so guests will not be tempted to double dip.
Mint Bowls- If they are not individually wrapped, do not eat them and just walk on by.
Washing Raw Meat- There is a lot of controversy here too. Some experts believe it is OK not to wash the meat and just put it on the grill or in the oven and the heat will kill any germs. Others think washing meat is important but…..there is an extra step. You need to sterilize your sink and countertops if you have raw meat on them. A solution of water and small amount of plain bleach will do the trick but leave it on the surface for 10 minutes before washing it off. A solution of Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide will work too if you hate the smell of bleach. I always wash off the meat except for ground turkey or ground beef.
Washing Raw Vegetables- The experts say you should wash the veggies for 2 minutes to get rid of any germs that may have transferred from the ground, crates and containers and from being handled by humans.
Sponges- I personally do not use sponges and like paper towels and brushes to clean off the food. But if you are a sponge user, put it through the dishwasher, the washing machine or wet it and put it in the microwave for 2 minutes .I put my brush through the dishwasher daily when I run my dishes and I do not own a sponge anymore after I heard they were the worst thing in the kitchen to harbor germs.
Tasting Food while Cooking- This is also a no-no so make sure if you put a spoon in the pan and taste, then throw this spoon in the sink and get a new one to taste again. Sometimes when I am making a sauce, I will end up with a sink full before serving.
Important Reminder: After all of these things have been washed, then you need to wash your hands with soap for 30 seconds too.
Kristin Hamilton DRE #014092138 Keller Williams Realty -I sell real estate in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties commonly called the Inland Empire. I am a trained and experienced Short Sale agent. If you are looking for a professional and experienced agent, I am just a click away. Google me at Kristin Hamilton-Real Estate Agent. Homeowners and Buyers both will find my services top notch and successful. Call me to sell your home; both traditional and short sales.
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