Washing your foodstuffs

Some of the simple sanitation habits we tend to ignore might lead to severe health complications. If you have ever woken up in the middle of the night with serious stomach upsets, then this isn’t new to you.

Thursday, September 06, 2012
Maria Kaitesi

Some of the simple sanitation habits we tend to ignore might lead to severe health complications. If you have ever woken up in the middle of the night with serious stomach upsets, then this isn’t new to you.One of the hygienic practices women forget is washing foodstuffs.Vegetables and fruits are the most important foodstuffs and should be thoroughly washed before consumption or cooking. While in the garden, these foodstuffs are covered in herbicides, pesticides and all kinds of chemicals.Even when these food stuffs are brought to the market place, all sorts of dirty hands carry them around. Some hands could be straight from the toilet - unwashed and onto the food you intend to buy.According to about.com nutrition, you can start by keeping your kitchen countertops, cookware and cutlery clean.It is healthy to wash all pre-packaged fruits and vegetables, even if the label claims they are pre-washed. Keep fresh greens, fruits and vegetables away from uncooked meats to avoid cross-contamination.Avoid bruised, moldy and mushy foodstuffs. You should also choose healthy looking, ripe fruits and vegetables when you shop. Fruits and vegetables have natural coatings that keep moisture inside, and washing them will make them rot sooner. It’s better to wash them at the exact time you’re going to eat or cook them.Always wash your hands before preparing meals and handling fruits and vegetables but most importantly, wash the foodstuffs to avoid consuming the bacteria.