How to defrost and store food to avoid food poisoning during the Christmas holidays

ManacorThere are three ways to safely defrost food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or using a microwave. Cooked dishes should be refrigerated as soon as possible and should not be left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. The Ministry of Health, through the Directorate General of Public Health, is disseminating a set of basic recommendations to prevent food poisoning during the Christmas holidays, including how to defrost and store food. Hygiene measures to consider when cooking are also included. Regarding how to defrost food, the Ministry of Health reminds us that there are three safe ways to do so: in the refrigerator, in cold water, or using a microwave. It is recommended to defrost food at refrigerator temperature, in the refrigerator, and always avoid defrosting at room temperature. If defrosting food in cold water, change the water every half hour to ensure it stays cold, avoiding defrosting with hot water. Cooked food can be defrosted in a microwave, but it is not recommended for raw food. During the thawing process, it is important to avoid thawing with hot water, cross-contamination with foods that must be eaten raw, and to place the product in a container with a rack so that it does not mix with the thawing liquid. Generally, once food is thawed, it should be cooked immediately. Furthermore, the Catalan Health Department (Salut) also recommends washing your hands before and several times during food preparation, as well as thoroughly cleaning surfaces and utensils between handling different foods and protecting food in sealed containers. Raw and cooked foods should be kept separate and stored in separate containers to avoid contact. Utensils, such as knives or cutting boards, should be cleaned when cutting different foods, such as raw fish, meat, or vegetables. Cooked foods should be kept on the top shelf of the refrigerator, and raw foods, such as vegetables and meat, on the bottom shelf, also kept separate. Regarding storage, food must be kept at safe temperatures. Cooked dishes should be refrigerated as soon as possible and not left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. Food should be prepared as close to the date of purchase as possible. Finally, the Catalan Health Department (Salut) recommends choosing healthy, fresh, and well-labeled foods, consuming them before the expiration date, using potable water, washing fruits and vegetables (especially if they will be eaten raw), and buying from establishments with adequate health and safety guarantees.