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Top tips for food safety at home
Find useful information and advice on handling high risk foods safely to avoid getting ill from them.
Top Food Safety Tips
Clean everything
- wash hands, surfaces, and equipment before preparing food
- always rinse fresh fruit and vegetables.
Keep cold food cold
- store cold food below 8°C
- don’t leave it out for more than 4 hours
- use ice packs or cool boxes
- put leftovers in the fridge right away and eat them the next day
Keep hot food hot
- cook food thoroughly and keep it above 63°C until served
- don’t leave hot food out for more than 2 hours
- cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate, and reheat fully before eating
Barbecue safely
- wait until coals are glowing red with a grey surface
- make sure meat is fully cooked (no pink, juices run clear)
- avoid mixing raw and cooked food
- pre-cook chicken or pork in the oven, then finish on the BBQ
Watch out for risky foods
Be extra careful with: raw eggs, pâté, soft cheese, deli meats, rice salads, and shellfish.
Allergies and special diets
- ask guests about allergies or dietary needs
- keep allergen-free food separate and clearly labelled
- read labels carefully—some allergens are hidden in ingredients
