Good Lifestyle

It's always a good time to learnfood safety facts, but that's probablyEven more important Now in the light of thePandemic of Covid-19.

Although the developments surrounding the Covid-19 epidemic seem to change almost every day, food security practices remain the same and it is essential that you begin to respect by them now in the midst of such a crisis. We talked with Shelly Feist, Executive Director of NonprofitPartnership for Food Security Education, as well as Dr. Lynette Charity, Certified MD of the Board of Directors, anesthetist andmain speaker, forThe most essential facts of food security that everyone should know now.

Regardless of Covid-19, Mr. Charity says that this tip can not be quite stressed, asThe CDC emphasizes that 1 out of 6 Americans end up getting sick of contaminated foods and drinks. In order to prevent this from happening, the washing of the appropriate hands is essential.

"It should be done before preparing or eating food," said Mr. Charity.

Second feat the importance ofwash one's hands, especially during a pandemic.

"Handwashing is the most important way to prevent the spread of harmful germs that can cause a disease [and] the regular soap works well," she says. "Rub your hands for 20 seconds guarantees germs to wash the drain."

Once again, the classic flab of soap and water wonders when it comes to disinfecting everything, including fresh fruits and vegetables.

"For fresh products that will not be cooked before eating, wash carefully in running water," says Dr. Heataty. "The virus is covered with an oily membrane disturbed by simple soap and water is effective in eliminating [and] rinse the virus."

RELATED: 10 of your food questions related to the most urgent coronaviruses - replied

Note This is a two-step process.

"Cleaning and disinfection are not the same thing. These are separate and important steps that you can take to reduce the spread of harmful germs", "Explains Fetist. "Cleaning eliminates germs, dirt and impurities of surfaces thanks to the use of soap or detergent and water. Disinfection lowers the number of germs on the surfaces by the use of a Dilute bleaching solution easy to do at home. "

Funny: All you need is a tablespoon of bleach with a gallon of water to make an effective solution to kill germs on the surfaces.

"The actions you take at home can reduce the risk of foodborne illness for you and your family," says Feist. "These practices are based on research andparticularly help you protect these people from your household that may be at risk of serious illness-The children, the elderly, pregnant women and whoever have an underlying health condition that affects their ability to combat infections. "

You can see this process in four parts described in theFight the tray! brochure as well as on theUSDA website.

"If possible, leave the food items purchased in a store or delivered to your home that do not require immediate refrigeration or freezing to sit in a separate area for three days," says Dr. HeataTy.

Why? Covid-19 is supposed to survive on plasticFor up to three daysSo keep thesePackaged foods in quarantineOr far from other food products will help minimize the risk of infection.

Flash news, go togrocery store Can put you at the risk of exposure, so Mr. Charity suggests you trying to leave during rush hours (so not on Saturdays or Sunday morning or afternoon, for example) and avoid aisles who have several people who gathered. If you arrive in being in an alley or a payment line with one or two people, you can do something to reduce your risk of contracting Covid-19.

"Practice social distance, at least 6 feet, while waiting for the grocery payment line," says Dr. HeataTy.

Sorry, but it does not mean hacks!

"Use your own groceries reusable shopping bags and sace your own groceries because Covid-19 can survive on plastic," says charity.

Store the remains correctlyIs always important, but even more during a pandemic, because if you get sick with food poisoning, you can think that you have COVID-19. And if you end up going at the doctor, you actually take this absent period from someone who really has the virus and needs immediate medical care. Prevent this from happening by storing the remains away fromTwo hours of cooking.

"Nocious bacteria in the love of food to grow at room temperature," says Feist. "Your refrigerator, located 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, will help you protect your delicious remains away from harmful germs."

"Do not forget to eat them within three to four days andTo warm up remnants At 165 degrees Fahrenheit as measured with a food thermometer, "says Feist.

In an oldEat this, not that!article, Meredith Careters, specialist in the technical information of the USDA food security and inspection service, said that after three or four days, cooked foods and remains can start spoiling in the refrigerator. Food deterioration bacteria can begin to form on these foods without visible or apparent signs (thinking mold or funky smell).

"Mark your containers with the date you put food in the refrigerator. Then you will know when it's time to eat or freeze them," says Feist.

RELATED: How to warm your remains in the microwave in the right way.

"Maintaining home refrigerators at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of foodborne illness for pregnant women and seniors," said Feist.

Remember that those who are 60 years old and over are one of the groups of people whoare the most vulnerable Have serious complications with COVID-19. It is particularly essential for them to keep their immunity as much as possible during these unprecedented periods.

"Some harmful germs can [motionless] grow at cold temperatures. A cold refrigerator greatly slows the growth of germs that may cause disease," she adds.

You may have done too much food in your meal prepare this week to eat alone, but instead of storing it in the refrigerator, wrap your remains accordingly and store them in thefreezer. According to the USDA, they can remain indefinitely, however, know that they can lose moisture and flavor after three to four months.

To cook, most of us must leave our homes and go to the grocery store. Make sure you disinfect objects and surfaces that you and others have touched.

"Always bring disinfectant wipes with you while shopping for food and wipe all the surfaces, such as the handle handle, car door handles, as well as the trolley or basket you touch," says Dr. HeataTy .

Do not forget to throw the wipes as soon as you have finished using them!

We get it, you touch your face often without being aware of it. But try to hear you moments when you want to touch your face, like scanning an alley to the grocery store or read a recipe on your phone.

"When you're going shopping for food, do not touch your face," says Dr. Handy. "Sometimes wearing plastic gloves help as it will remind younot Touch your face. "

If you are in quarantine with several people in your home, you can feel the need to share your food and drinks with others. However, until this pandemic is over, you may want to abstain to do it because a person at home could be a carrier of the disease.

"There is no evidence to this day that suggests that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food or water," says charity. "That said, no sharing of food or drinks!"

Think about it this way, if your hands are brushing against someone else while you reach the same pizza slice, then you immediately put your hands in your mouth or on your lips, you.could Contract the virus this way.

Dr. Handity says to often use a hand disinfectant, now more than ever. TheCDC suggests choosing a hand disinfectant with at least 60% alcohol.

In a recentEat this, not that!article,Samantha Heller, MS, RD, Nutrition and Exercise on SIRIUSXM doctor's radio and the main clinical nutritionist in Nyu Langone Health, said:"Disease control and prevention centers report that coronavirus can remainviable for hours to days On surfaces made from a variety of materials. "

He could not hurt a disinfectant wipe your plastic food containerbefore The opening.

Why take the chance? If the virus can survive up to three days on the plastic, can also remove the food from the container!