"10 Kitchen Safety Tips from an Ex-FDA Expert"
Food safety experts have highlighted several important kitchen habits that can help prevent foodborne illnesses. Leaving food out of the fridge for more than two hours can lead to bacterial growth, defrosting food in the fridge is recommended. Using grocery delivery services like Instacart may increase the risk of consuming spoiled food. Weighing food before cooking ensures proper cooking times, and using a meat thermometer is advised. Pre-prepared salad bags have been subject to recalls due to contamination. Storing food in small containers helps prevent bacterial growth, and using separate cutting boards and utensils for different foods reduces cross-contamination. Leftovers should be discarded after four days or frozen. Pets should be kept out of the kitchen to avoid contamination, and meat should not be rinsed before cooking. It is important to ensure dairy products are pasteurized to prevent illnesses.