Having more time at home has definitely given some of us the opportunity to experiment in the kitchen. Whether you are a newbie cook or a long-time home chef, here’s how you can ensure everyone’s safety while you try out those new recipes.

1. Wash your hands before food preparation and cooking.

Practicing good hygiene is crucial, especially during this time. While there is a small chance you can contract germs or virus through the produce and packaging you buy from the grocery or market, it’s still best to side with caution when dealing with food. When washing your hands, make sure you do it for more than 20 seconds.

2. Disinfect cooking surfaces and utensils with Microbe Fighter before use.

The spread of germs is less likely when we keep our surfaces clean. It’s important to use a disinfectant like Microbe Fighter before using surfaces, as this helps guarantee that the food we’re preparing won’t be contaminated.

3. Check the condition of your ingredients first.

We might be stocking up more to lessen our trips to the supermarket. In this case, to ensure that our produce and ingredients are still fresh, always check their condition before use.

4. Separate fresh produce from raw meat to avoid cross-contamination.

Make sure that fresh produce doesn’t mix with raw meat during preparation. Cross contamination happens when bacteria is transferred from one food to another when not handled properly. Most commonly, this happens through utensils such as cutting boards and knives.

5. Wash fresh produce under running water before peeling.

Washing may help reduce the germs and other bacteria that could be present in the produce.

6. Avoid double-dipping when cooking food.

Double-dipping can include dipping your utensils or chips into a bowl of sauce or food after having put it in your mouth. This can pose some problems when it spreads the bacteria from your mouth into the food - especially when you’re sharing it with other people.

7. Make sure the ingredients are cooked thoroughly.

Cooking your ingredients thoroughly and properly kills most of the bacteria that might have been there. Patience is key!

8. Don’t add raw ingredients when heating food.

While it might be tempting to add more meat to your already cooked meal or sauce, avoid it at all costs! This can cause cross-contamination and food poisoning.

9. Use a different knife or utensils for cooked food.

We’ve all been tempted to do it: use the same set of knives and utensils for food preparation and eating or serving your food. Don’t do this. Cross-contamination can happen through different mediums, so it’s best to stay safe.

As you spend more time in the kitchen, never forget to always ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. From doing your groceries and getting those packs of Robina Farms meats, all the way to serving meals to your family, try to keep these safety tips in mind.