It may surprise you to know that you are three times more likely to get a food-borne sickness from something in your home, than in a commercial kitchen. Public health experts say there are a variety of reasons why, including such factors as improper or unsafe food handling, lack of food cleanliness,
or mistakes in food storage.
You'd be right in thinking that being a "neatnik" when it comes to your refrigerator is a good part of prevention, but it is not the only thing to do to keep conditions safe.
Here are several other smart strategies:
- Wash produce before storing it in the produce tray. Veggies that grow close to the ground are exposed to more fertilizers. Consider using one of the"Veggie sprays" to help remove the chemical residues.
- Keep produce clean by not returning it to the original container.
- Clean peeled fruit. Outside contaminants transfer to the inside when you cut the fruit.
- Do not keep milk, other dairy products, and cold cuts on the refrigerator door trays - that is the warmest part of the interior.
- Stay with expiration and "use by" dates.
- If you see mold on bread, get rid of the entire loaf.
Finally, remember to wash your hands before handling food. Germs can be spread from any number of household sources, from door knobs to keyboards.
[The Kathy O’Neal Team serves home buyers and sellers in Northern Virginia, with special focus on Chantilly, Centreville, and the communities of the Western Fairfax region.]
Source
I love you ... Let's clean out the fridge
Kristen Browning-Blas
Denver Post, February 11, 2009
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_11666028
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