Velisha Thompson of the City of Johannesburg writes:
Food Safety is a way to ensure that food is prepared in the most hygienic manner in order to prevent food poisoning and it starts with the purchasing of a food product from a supermarket to the preparation or cooking and display of the food.
Tips for when buying food:
- Always check the expiry date before buying a product or food in a tuck shop, supermarket or spaza.
- Ensure that the products or food you buy at the store are at the correct temperature. Frozen products such as ice-cream are supposed to be at minus 18 degrees Celsius, frozen products like meat, at minus 12 degrees Celsius, chilled products such as fish, at plus four degrees Celsius, chilled products like milk at plus seven degrees Celsius, and cooked food at plus 65 degrees Celsius.
- Check if the products or food that you buy are not physically damaged such as tins that are dented or have rust; or rat bites on the bread.
- When buying meat from an informal butchery, ensure that the meat is prepared in a clean manner and wash it thoroughly before cooking.
- For any complaints about food premises such as tuck shops, general dealers or spazas, contact the City of Johannesburg’s Environmental Health Department on 011 582 1400/1600.
Safety tips and cooking:
- Place the handle of the pan or pot in a way that a child cannot reach it.
- Do not place the two-plate stove on the floor in reach of children.
- Do not leave boiling water unattended where children can access it.
- Always wash food before cooking to avoid food poisoning.
- Wear protective clothing such as an apron when preparing food.
- Do not sneeze or cough over food.
- Always cover the food after preparation to prevent flies and other insects from accessing it.
- Ensure that any wounds or sores are covered on your hands when cutting food.
- Remove refuse bins and garbage from the kitchen on a daily basis.
- Never reheat leftovers, especially chicken, more than once.
- Remember to always wash your hands with soap and water before handling food.
To control rodents and rats in your kitchen:
- Keep your backyard clean and remove any refuse or waste and old material on the property to avoid a rat infestation.
- Take necessary measures to eliminate rats and other pests on the property.
