Basic Food Safety_ Introduction (English)

**Basic Food Safety: Introduction**

Food safety is essential to ensure that the food we consume is safe, nutritious, and free from harmful substances. This introductory guide outlines key principles and practices to prevent foodborne illnesses and maintain food quality.

### Why is Food Safety Important?
1. **Health Protection**: Prevents foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical contaminants.
2. **Economic Impact**: Reduces medical costs and loss of productivity due to foodborne diseases.
3. **Legal Compliance**: Meets regulations to avoid penalties and maintain consumer trust.

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### Key Principles of Food Safety
1. **Cleanliness**:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling food.
- Clean utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces regularly.
- Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water.

2. **Separation**:
- Keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination.
- Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and fresh produce.

3. **Cooking**:
- Cook food to safe internal temperatures to kill harmful pathogens.
- Use a food thermometer to check doneness (e.g., poultry at 165°F or 74°C).

4. **Storage**:
- Refrigerate perishable foods promptly at or below 40°F (4°C).
- Freeze items that won't be consumed within a few days.

5. **Avoiding Risky Foods**:
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats, eggs, or seafood.
- Be cautious with unpasteurized dairy products.

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### Common Foodborne Illnesses
- **Salmonella**: Found in raw eggs, poultry, and contaminated produce.
- **E. coli**: Present in undercooked beef or contaminated water.
- **Listeria**: Found in unpasteurized dairy and processed meats.
- **Norovirus**: Spreads through improper hand hygiene.

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### Personal Hygiene in Food Safety
- Always wear clean clothes and tie back long hair when preparing food.
- Avoid cooking when ill to prevent contaminating food.
- Cover cuts or wounds with waterproof bandages.

By following these basic food safety principles, you can protect yourself and others from foodborne illnesses while promoting a safe eating environment.