Food safety tips to keep COVID-19 at bay

Handling food safely

1. Keep clean

Wash your hands before handling food and often during food preparation.

Wash your hands after going to the toilet.

Wash and sanitize all surfaces and equipment used for food preparation.

Protect kitchen areas and food from insects, pests and other animals.

2. Separate raw and cooked

Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from other foods.

Use separate equipment and utensils, such as knives and cutting boards, for handling raw foods.

Store food in containers to avoid contact between raw and prepared foods.

3. Cook thoroughly

Cook food thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs and seafood.

Bring foods like soups and stews to a boil to make sure that they have reached 70 C. For meat and poultry, make sure juices are clear, not pink. Ideally, use a thermometer.

Reheat cooked food thoroughly.

4. Keep food at safe temperatures

Do not leave cooked food out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Promptly refrigerate all cooked and perishable food (preferably below 5 C).

Keep cooked food piping hot (more than 60 C) prior to serving.

Do not store food too long, even in the refrigerator.

Do not thaw frozen food at room temperature.

5. Use safe water and raw materials

Use safe water, or treat it to make it safe.

Select fresh and wholesome foods.

Choose foods processed for safety, such as pasteurized milk.

Wash fruits and vegetables, especially if eaten raw.

Do not use food beyond its expiration date.