Food safety is a way to ensure that food is prepared in the most hygienic manner in order to prevent food poisoning.
Food safety starts when you purchase food from a supermarket, to preparation and cooking.
What to look for when buying products or food:
Always check the expiry date before buying food
Ensure that the products or food you buy at the store are at the correct temperatures:
Frozen Products (e.g. ice-cream) -180C
Frozen Products (e.g. meat) -12 degrees
Chilled Products (e.g. fish) +4 degrees
Chilled Products (e.g. milk) +7 degrees
Cooked Food +65 degrees
Check the food you buy is not damaged e.g. tins that are damaged or are rusty. When buying meat from an informal butchery, ensure that the meat is prepared in a clean manner and wash it thoroughly before cooking.
Safety tips and cooking for households:
When cooking, place the handle of the pan or pot in a way that a child cannot reach it.
Do not place a two-plate stove on the floor in reach of children.
Do not leave boiling water unattended that children can access.
Always wash food before cooking to avoid food poisoning.
Wear protective clothing e.g. apron when preparing food.
Do not sneeze or cough over the food.
Always cover the food after preparation to prevent flies and other insects from accessing the food.
Ensure that any wounds or sores are covered.
Remove refuse from a kitchen on a daily basis.
Never reheat leftovers, especially chicken, more than once.
Remember to always wash hands with soap and water before handling food.
Rodent control:
Keep your backyard clean i.e. remove any refuse or waste and old material on the property, to avoid rat infestation.
Take necessary measures to eliminate rats and other pests on the property.
For any complaints about food premises such as tuckshops, general dealers, etc, contact the Environmental Health Department on 011 582 1400/1600
