According to the European Food Safety Authority, no food-borne transmission has been observed. The WHO (World Health Organization) states that transmission only occurs from person to person, or indirectly – after having contact with a contaminated surface which was not properly sanitized. It is therefore worth taking extra care when sanitizing food. This way you avoid the transmission of a number of diseases and ensure that all food is fit for consumption. Here are a few tips on food preparation and storage from Wyda Packaging SA, the number 1 supplier of aluminium foil packaging products to the food, take-away and catering industries in Southern Africa.
Sanitizing food is critical
Before starting the sanitization process, you must first sanitize your hands. Clean them with soap and water, according to WHO guidelines (back, palms, between the fingers, finger and nails). Afterwards, clean the fruits and vegetables. The first step is to wash them in running water, removing all the dirt. Then, make a solution in one liter of water and a tablespoon of sanitary water, for example using sodium hypochlorite, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. With the solution ready, soak the fruits and vegetables for 15 minutes and wash them again in running water. (Sodium hypochlorite: Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a compound that can be effectively used for water purification. It is used on a large scale for surface purification, bleaching, odor removal and water disinfection.) Food that is not consumed right away must be stored correctly.
How to store sanitized food
To avoid contamination, it is important to use sterile packaging that ensures the preservation of food. In the case of raw food, you should use plastic bags or wrapping it in aluminium foil or PVC film. Ready-made foods should be stored either in the refrigerator or freezer. To ensure that all food is consumed before spoiling write down the storage date on the packaging. That way you know exactly how long that food, whether raw or cooked, has been waiting for you in the refrigerator. Ideal for food preservation and storage are disposable aluminium trays, which are resistant to high and low temperatures, while preserving and protecting the food for longer. The trays should be thrown in the garbage bin for recyclable materials right after use. During these days, while you are staying at home and are likely to cook more, it is a good idea to portion and freeze cooked food, so you always have healthy and tasty meals at hand. At Wyda Packaging SA you find the best locally produced aluminium foil products to protect and preserve your food at home. Visit Wyda’s website: https://wyda.co.za/ to view their 100% Recycable Aluminium Foil Packaging products.
