Many people enter the food industry with preconceived ideas about food safety. You might have learned cooking techniques from friends or family or read tips and tricks on the internet.
While the internet is an excellent source of information, not everything you read about food preparation and food safety will be entirely accurate. While you can ‘unlearn’ inaccuracies by getting your Texas Food Handlers Card, you can also learn about some of the most common food safety myths below.
You Can Tell Meat Is Cooked By Its Color
It’s easy to assume that you can tell meat is cooked by its color. For example, chicken is thoroughly cooked when it’s no longer pink, and hamburger is ready for service when the middle turns brown. While color can indicate that meat is at a stage you’d like it to be for service, the best way to ensure it’s fully cooked for customer meals is by checking it with a meat thermometer.
When you complete your Texas Food Handlers Card with leading online providers like TABC Pronto, you can learn all about safe food temperatures. Whole or ground chicken, turkey, and other poultry must be at a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, while ground beef, hamburger, pork, or egg dishes must be at 160 degrees.
If you’re cooking lamb, pork, veal, or beef, it should be at a minimum of 145 degrees and be given a few minutes to rest before slicing or serving. Fish should also be served at 145 degrees or more, while sausages and hot dogs can be at 165 degrees or higher.
You Don’t Need to Wash Your Hands If You Use Hand Sanitizer Gel
Most people in the food service industry understand how vital handwashing can be. They know the importance of washing hands after cleaning, handling waste, using the toilet, and between food preparation tasks.
However, you might assume that using hand sanitizer gel means you don’t need to wash your hands with soap and water. While hand sanitizing products can remove surface germs, they might not reach all germs and dirt in the textures of your skin.
Always choose soap and water in favor of hand sanitizer. Wet your hands under warm running water, apply soap and form a lather, and rub all parts of your hands – including your nails and between your fingers. Lather for at least 20 seconds and rinse your hands thoroughly under the running water before drying your hands with a single-use towel.
Rinsing Raw Turkey or Chicken Removes Bacteria
Many people rinse their turkeys and chickens before cooking them, believing it can remove some of the foodborne illness-producing bacteria. In reality, rinsing any raw meat or poultry is unnecessary and might even increase the risk of cross-contamination, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. The best way to remove harmful bacteria is by cooking it to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Food Left Sitting Out for 2+ Hours is Safe When Reheated
While heat can destroy some bacteria, it can’t eliminate all of them. In fact, some of the most common bacteria types, like staphylococcus and Bacillus cereus, produce toxins that high temperatures can’t kill. All perishable foods should be stored in refrigerators at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below within two hours. If you don’t, the safest option is to throw that food away.
You Only Get An Upset Stomach With Foodborne Illnesses
While an upset stomach is among the most common symptoms associated with most foodborne illnesses, it’s not the only one. Some people experience fever, dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea. Depending on the bacteria, some people develop severe and life-threatening symptoms like meningitis and paralysis.
There are at least 48 million cases of foodborne illness yearly, equalling one in six Americans. Approximately 128,000 people are hospitalized each year for their symptoms, and 3,000 people lose their lives.
Protect Your Customers and Yourself With TABC Pronto
Believing the most common food safety myths can be dangerous, especially when you’re in the food service industry, responsible for serving safe food to the general public. Keep yourself and your customers safe by completing the 100% online Texas Food Handlers Card with TABC Pronto. This affordable and fast course can provide much-needed peace of mind for you, your employers, and your customers.