Taking the time to use good personal hygiene can not only help reduce illnesses, but also reduce the amount of absenteeism in many areas such as school, work and other activities. The 20 seconds of time it takes to wash your hands or doing daily personal hygiene practices are beneficial to your health.
When preparing meals, good hygiene begins before food is cooked, served or eaten. Not washing hands before preparing or eating food is a common mistake that consumers make. This simple habit can help reduce many illnesses, not just foodborne illness.
On average, people touch their face 23 times per hour. Your facial area includes your teeth, mouth, eyes and ears. Nails and skin can harbor bacteria which is why it is so important to thoroughly wash hands before handling food.
Wash hands after handling any animal or animal food, as these sources can harbor bacteria that can make humans sick. Clean your kitchen as you cook. Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned more often, such as countertops, handles, and light switches. After preparing food, always clean equipment and countertops to remove spills or any other visibly dirty areas.
By: Brenda Langdon
