



Sanitation Basics:
Even when working in your home kitchen, there are still a few
common sense, safety-oriented work habits to cultivate.
Wash your hands before starting anything in the kitchen.
Always work in shoes, never sandals or bare feet. Anything dropping or spilling
could potentially harm your feet, especially if it's very hot. In addition,
it's too easy to slip on food bits or wet surfaces without shoes.
Tie back loose, long hair so it doesn't get in your way and possibly into
your food.
Keep your nails short and unpainted in the kitchen. Long, painted nails
are a cooking no-no for several reasons. Raw food, especially meat, trapped
under the nails can transmit bacteria to whatever you're preparing. Nail
polish chips with wear and can deposit polish in your meal.
Keep the jewelry to a minimum. It, too, can cross-contaminate food by carrying
bacteria and germs from various other household chores.
I like wearing a full Chef's apron to protect my clothes when I'm in the
kitchen. These are inexpensive especially when purchased at a restaurant
supply house. I always have plenty of cotton kitchen towels for use when
I work.