It’s Christmas time, but experts advise the public to be cautious when preparing food for gatherings and to always observe kitchen safety practices to avoid food poisoning. <br /><br />First, raw products such as meat and poultry bought from the marketplace must be thoroughly washed because they can possibly be contaminated by Salmonella, a bacteria type that can cause infection which may lead to bloody diarrhea or gastrointestinal diseases. <br /><br />According to microbiologist Dr. Windell Rivera, the public must be cautious when preparing meat as it can also potentially contaminate other products.<br /><br />“Gumamit ka ng chopping board para lang sa meat na ito. Ibang chopping board ang gamitin mo for vegetable salad preparation. (Use a separate chopping board for meat and vegetables),” said Rivera.<br /><br />Rivera said having a separate knife and chopping board can help avoid cross contamination of bacteria.<br /><br />Because large amounts of food will be served this holiday season, experts said do not simultaneously take food out of the refrigerator or freezer. <br /><br />“Kung ano muna yung kaya niyang iprepare, kasi once na-expose lahat nung pagkain sa kitchen, yung cross contamination napaka possible (Prepare only what can be cooked or prepared immediately. Food exposed under room temperature can be easily be contaminated).”<br /><br />One bacteria type that can contaminate food left in room temperature is the Bacillus cereus, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting or nausea. <br /><br />When not yet in use, experts said raw products should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer as bacteria is prevented from multiplying under cool temperature.<br /><br />Once raw products are thoroughly washed and cautiously prepared, thorough cooking and safe storage are a must.<br /><br />“Kung warm ang pagkain or hot yung pagkain, dapat maintain siya around 60-70 degrees Celsius. Maganda kung meron tayong mga hot trays na gagamitin para mamaintain yung temperature na iyon (Hot foods must be maintained at temperatures which range between 60-70 degrees. Having a hot
