010229 Men More Likely to Promote ContaminationFebruary 10, 2001The romance of a candle-lit dinner for two at home is hard to beat, but unless the chef follows some simple tips in the kitchen, you could kill a romance faster than you can say “I love you.” According to the American Dietetic Association (ADA), following four simple tips will ensure that bacteria aren't invited to your Valentine's Day dinner. A national survey conducted by ADA and the ConAgra Foundation revealed that most men confess to improper food handling. Men are more likely than women to use the same plate and utensils when handling raw and cooked meats without cleaning them between uses. Mixing raw meat juices with ready-to-eat foods is one of the leading causes of food- related illnesses at home. Improper cooking habits could give everyone a bad case of foodborne illness -- commonly called food poisoning. So, if your man is cooking up his famous specialty this Valentine's Day, give him some simple food safety tips that will help prevent bacteria from spoiling a perfect evening. Tips for “Clean” Valentine's Day Cuisine Wash Hands Often Join your Valentine chef in the kitchen and sing the chorus of your favorite love song for 20 seconds while you wash your hands with warm soapy water. Be sure to wash hands before and during food preparation. Proper hand washing may eliminate nearly half of all cases of foodborne illness. Since bacteria can easily be transferred from the body to foods and surfaces, always wash hands thoroughly, especially after switching tasks such as handling raw meats and then touching vegetables. Keep Raw Meats and Ready-to-Eat Foods Separate Decorate your special dinner with two festively colored plates: one strictly for raw meats and the other for ready-to-eat foods. The juices from raw meats and poultry aren't always easy to contain as they tend to spill over and/or leak on foods and surfaces. Because these juices may carry harmful bacteria, using two separate plates will help prevent cross- contamination, a leading cause of foodborne illness. Cook to Proper Temperatures Leave the guesswork to Cupid. Take simple steps to ensure your special meal is cooked to perfection and safe to eat. Relying on color alone to check the doneness of meat isn't the best technique. A meat thermometer is the only way to ensure food has been cooked to the proper temperature. Favorites like steak should be cooked to at least 145 degrees F and chicken breasts to at least 170 degrees F. Refrigerate Promptly Below 40 Degrees F Before you relax and indulge in a Valentine's Day dessert, refrigerate perishable foods quickly and store them at proper temperatures to slow the growth of bacteria and help prevent foodborne illness. Leftovers should be stored in shallow containers (two inches deep or less) and refrigerated within two hours after being served. Also, make sure your refrigerator is set below 40 degrees F.
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