Which of the following is an example of proper food handling?
(1 point)
Responses
Only clean the surface when you are done cooking.
Only clean the surface when you are done cooking.
Place frozen foods on the countertop to thaw.
Place frozen foods on the countertop to thaw.
Keep all perishable foods inside cabinets.
Keep all perishable foods inside cabinets.
Keep your hands clean while you are cooking.
Keep your hands clean while you are cooking.
Which of the following is a good choice according to the Dietary Guidelines?
(1 point)
Responses
diet soft drinks
diet soft drinks
frozen yogurt
frozen yogurt
salmon
salmon
gummy fruit snacks
salmon
The correct example of proper food handling is to keep your hands clean while you are cooking.
The correct answer is: "Keep your hands clean while you are cooking."
To arrive at this answer, we need to understand proper food handling practices. Food safety is of utmost importance to prevent foodborne illnesses. When handling food, it is crucial to maintain cleanliness and proper hygiene to minimize the risk of contamination.
In this context, the correct example of proper food handling is keeping your hands clean while cooking. Our hands can carry numerous bacteria and other pathogens, which can transmit to the food if not properly washed. To ensure hygiene, it is recommended to wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food, as well as after touching any potentially contaminated surfaces, such as raw meat or vegetables.
Let's analyze the other options to better understand why they are not the correct choices:
1. "Only clean the surface when you are done cooking." - This option suggests that you should clean the surface only after you finish cooking. However, proper food handling requires maintaining a clean and sanitized cooking area throughout the cooking process. Regularly cleaning the surface helps prevent cross-contamination and the spread of harmful bacteria.
2. "Place frozen foods on the countertop to thaw." - Thawing frozen foods on the countertop is not considered proper food handling. It allows the food to sit within the temperature 'danger zone' (between 40°F and 140°F), where bacteria can grow rapidly. The recommended method for thawing frozen foods is to do so in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave using the defrost setting.
3. "Keep all perishable foods inside cabinets." - Storing perishable foods inside cabinets is not safe, as it does not provide the proper temperature control required to prevent bacterial growth. Perishable foods, such as raw meats, dairy products, and prepared dishes, should be stored in a refrigerator set at or below 40°F (4°C) to slow down the growth of harmful bacteria.
In summary, the correct example of proper food handling from the given options is to keep your hands clean while cooking to minimize the risk of contamination.