Corona virus: [WHO has given these 5 tips for eating and drinking]

Rabindra Dhungel, 19 august 2020. Many things are changing during the Covid-19 epidemic. The way of working, sanitation and eating habits have also changed.

The issue of health, especially food and hygiene, has suddenly come to the forefront of people’s minds. It’s not that these things weren’t on people’s priorities before. Of course, food and hygiene were essential to our lifestyle. But there was also talk of likes and dislikes.

At this time, people are worried about the spread of covidy because of what they eat and drink. The World Health Organization has shared 5 important tips on safe eating.

1)Always be clean
It is important to wash your hands before and during cooking. Wash your hands after going to the toilet. Thoroughly wash the stove and utensils in the cooking area and sanitize the three. Protect the kitchen from pests and other animals

Why is this important?
Most microorganisms do not spread any disease. But some of them are dangerous organisms that are widely found in soil, water, animals and humans. These micro-organisms are found in our hands, in cleaning utensils, in utensils, in cutting boards. If these organisms have normal contact with food, there is an equal risk of getting sick from eating and drinking.

2) Keep raw food away from cooked food
Separate poultry products, raw meat from other food items. Use different utensils and knives and cutting boards when storing raw food. Keep such items in a container to avoid any contact between prepared food and raw food.

Why is this important?
Uncooked food, especially meat and poultry products, can contain such dangerous microorganisms. Which can infect other foods during cooking.

 

3) Cook the food well
Cook meat, poultry products, eggs, etc. well. Boiling things like soups and stews requires a temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius. Care should also be taken while preparing meat and poultry products. The best way is to use a thermometer to check the temperature. Reheat the cooked food well.

Why is this important?
If the food is cooked properly, all kinds of micro-organisms are completely destroyed. Research has also shown that eating food cooked at a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius reduces the chances of infection and is also suitable for eating. Special care should be taken while cooking minced meat and chicken.

4) Store food at safe temperature
Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Keep prepared foods, especially perishable foods, in the fridge at temperatures below 5 ° C. Before serving, heat the food to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit [60 C]. Don’t keep food in the fridge for too long. Leave frozen food to thaw at room temperature.

Why is this important?
When cooked food is kept at room temperature, microorganisms can grow rapidly. At temperatures below 5 ° C and above 60 °C, micro-organisms either stop growing or slow down. However, there are some organisms that thrive at temperatures below 5 ° C.

5) Clean water and clean food items
Use clean water. If not, make it safe to use. Use fresh and nutritious foods. Choose foods that have safe processing. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Use only if the meal is out of date.

Why is this important?
Things like water and ice contain micro-organisms or some harmful elements. There is a risk of developing toxic chemicals in bad and stale food. It is important to be careful when choosing food items. Also, it is important to take general safety measures when washing or peeling the skin to reduce the risk.