Each year, millions of people are estimated to become sick from food they eat. What’s especially concerning about this estimate is that in many of these cases, the food comes right from the home they live in. If you want to avoid illness and eat food that is higher quality, you must pay attention to a variety of factors. These factors include the three items below, each of which can impact the quality of your household food.
1. The Fridge
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends setting the refrigerator temperature between 35 to 38 degrees and no higher than 40 degrees. They also recommend the freezer should be set at no higher than 0 degrees, although lower is fine. When the temperature inside of either of these is higher than it should be, your food will be at risk of growing dangerous bacteria.
If you’re unsure that your fridge or freezer temperature is inaccurate, then place a food-safe thermometer inside. When you know the accurate temperature, you will know it’s safe for storing food.
2. Air Ducts
While your air ducts may seem like they don’t impact the food you eat, they certainly can. When air ducts inside your home run, they will eventually collect dirt and dust. They will gather an estimated 40 pounds of debris theroughout the year, which means a lot of dust and bacteria could be blowing around your home throughout the day.
Additionally, the exhaust system located in your kitchen can take in many types of bacteria, including salmonella and E.Coli when it’s running. To avoid this danger, it’s crucial to have your air ducts cleaned out at least once a year. This will remove dust and dirt to keep your home cleaner while also getting rid of dangerous bacteria that can transfer onto your food. Air duct cleaning has an impact on your digestive and respiratory health.
3. The Microwave
The microwave is an excellent tool for when you need to heat something up quickly. However, many people will argue that the microwave reduces the quality of the food you eat by heating it up improperly. If you want to use the microwave, pay attention to cooking times as closely as possible. It’s also important to know the wattage of this appliance so you can cook food properly. You may also want to avoid using the microwave to thaw or cook raw foods, as this can cause food poisoning when not cooked through.
If you have the time, cooking in a toaster oven or on the stove is a great alternative. While it might take a few more minutes, your food will usually turn out tasting better as a result.
Cooking better tasting food at home doesn’t have to be impossible difficult. While the recipes you use and way you cook are important, don’t forget about the factors above. By making sure those are in check, you can avoid potential dangers that you would otherwise miss. With those taken care of, you can explore new methods of cooking with peace of mind.