Food Safety Facts (15 pics)

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"We all know that some types of bacteria can cause illness. However, as it appears, the types of bacteria that do don't affect the smell, taste, or appearance of food. This is why it's crucial to either freeze or throw out refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days."

The 5-second rule is a myth

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"To test out people's favorite "rule," Dr. Ronald Carter from Queen Mary, University of London did an experiment. He dropped pizza, apple, and toast onto different surfaces and it revealed that they were all covered in germs. As it turned out, the "5-second rule" isn't true—bacteria can attach to food as soon as it touches the floor."

Double-dipping can spread bacteria and viruses

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"Sadly, double-dipping is not the greatest idea, since it can spread bacteria and viruses, even when a person isn't visibly sick or unwell. Therefore, it's always best to put dip on your own plate and enjoy it without spreading germs to other people."

Chocolate with white or grayish film is fine to eat

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"While white or grayish film formed on the surface of chocolate might not look very appetizing, turns, out it's perfectly fine to eat. The process occurs when cocoa butter fats separate from the cocoa."

It's recommended to keep butter in the fridge

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"We all know just how annoying it is trying to spread butter on bread that's still cold and hard. However, experts say that leaving your butter in warmer temperatures may accelerate the growth rates of spoilage microbes. So, it's always best to keep your butter in the fridge to prevent any unusual or unpleasant flavors."

Titanium dioxide that's found in icing has been linked to inflammatory bowel diseases

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"Titanium dioxide—an additive that's used to make white appear even whiter—can be found in a variety of foods, like coffee creamer, icing, powdered sugar, and ranch dressing. However, for the exact same reason, it is used in making sunscreens, laundry detergents, and paint. FDA considers the additive safe; however, there was research conducted that linked it to inflammatory bowel diseases. In addition to this, as of 2020, France has banned titanium dioxide in food."

Chopping boards are up to 200 times dirtier than a toilet seat

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"It has been found that chopping boards are up to 200 times dirtier than a toilet seat! And as it turns out, washing it after every use does not protect you from all the bacteria. It is recommended to have several chopping boards so you can use them for different types of food. In addition to this, you should change your chopping boards regularly as bacteria can hide in its scratches and crevices and thus contaminate other foods."

A funky taste in water doesn't mean you can't drink it

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"Ever left a glass of water sitting on the bedside overnight and then it had that funky taste in the morning? Well, turns out it's perfectly fine to drink. Duh—after all, there are no ingredients in the water that would make it go bad."

It's not recommended to rinse meat

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"While some people rinse meat and poultry before cooking, it turns out that while it can remove some of the bacteria from the surface, it doesn't do anything to those that are tightly attached. In addition to this, water can splash while rinsing meat onto worktops, cutlery, etc., and thus contaminate them."

The best way to know if the milk is still good is to smell it

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"Apparently, in the United States, every state has different laws on milk dates. Therefore, it's really up to people to judge the quality of it. Experts say that if you keep your fridge closer to 34℉, instead of the standard 40℉, you can get an extra week out of your milk. Of course, the longer its container was kept sealed, the better. All in all, it's always best to trust your good ole nose and just smell the stuff."

Produce bins in fridges are full of germs

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"A NSF International study found that the fridge produce compartment is one of the most "germiest" areas in people's kitchens. Therefore, it's essential to regularly clean out produce bins with hot water and liquid soap to prevent the buildup of bacteria."

Ground meats should reach 160°F for at least one second before consuming

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"USDA recommends that ground meats (including beef, lamb, pork, and veal) should reach 160°F for at least one second before consuming and do not require rest time. Poultry products, however, including chicken and turkey, should reach at least 165ºF for it to be safe to consume. Safe cooking temperature for whole cuts of pork is from 160 ºF to 145 ºF with the addition of a three-minute rest time. Whole cuts of other types of meat should cook at 145 ºF with the same three-minute rest time."

It's best not to eat raw cookie dough

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"Flour doesn't have a bad rep for being a particularly "risky" food, but there's actually a chance to get sick from flour. Since it is made from wheat, it has the potential to contain deadly bacteria called E. coli. While food-borne illnesses don't happen often because of flour, as it's usually used in foods that are cooked and bacteria dies in heat, it is best not to indulge in raw cookie dough due to the dangerous bacteria."

Perishable food can be left at room temperature for no more than 2 hours

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"If you leave perishable food at room temperature for over 2 hours, it may become unsafe to eat by then. However, the "2-hour rule" becomes the "1-hour rule" when the temperature outside reaches 90 degrees or more. Bacteria grows very quickly at hot temperatures."

Egg dishes should be cooked until they reach 160°F or more