If you make any of these five mistakes in the kitchen, you are in serious danger.

Cooking is an art , but it can also be hazardous , as it combines the use of heat, electricity, knives, and chemicals, in addition to handling raw foods. If proper care is not taken in this everyday activity, accidents or food poisoning can occur . What are the dangers?

According to the website “Love Food,” these are the situations that can cause the most complications: ▪️Thaw meat at room temperature: “Thaw meat at room temperature encourages bacterial growth and increases the risk of foodborne illness. When frozen foods exceed 4.5°C or remain out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours, they enter the "danger zone," where bacteria multiply exponentially.” It's also important to note that meat taken out of the freezer should never be refrozen without being cooked first, and it's always important to handle food hygienically to prevent cross-contamination.

▪️Do not separate raw meat from ready-to-eat foods:

Handling raw meat and ready-to-eat foods at the same time can lead to cross-contamination, allowing the accidental transfer of pathogenic bacteria or microorganisms. To ensure the food safety of your home, please follow these steps:

Separate utensils: Use cutting boards and tools exclusively for raw meats.

Thorough cleaning: Disinfect all equipment that has come into contact with raw meat with hot soapy water.

Preparation order: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises processing vegetables and fruits first, leaving raw meat, fish, and poultry for last.

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▪️Using damp or damaged oven mitts and towels. Exposing damp fabrics to heat generates steam that can cause severe burns. Oven mitts, designed as heat insulators, need to be kept clean and dry to ensure their effectiveness. Similarly, a damp towel can quickly transmit heat and cause injuries. To prevent accidents, always use dry, sturdy towels or potholders when handling hot utensils.

▪️Leaving the kitchen unattended

Never leave the kitchen while cooking, keep flammable items away from the oven, and use a timer as a reminder if you need to leave. According to statistics, this accounts for 29% of household accidents in the United States, and this is also true for other parts of the world. It's important to be present when preparing food.

▪️Pouring water on a grease fire:

“Pouring water on a grease fire (a fire involving fats, oils, or grease) causes it to spread, rather than subside. Instead, smother the fire with a lid or baking sheet or use a wet chemical extinguisher. For small fires, place a water-soaked towel over the pan to smother the flames,” the page states.

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What other precautions should be taken into account?

According to the Catalan Food Safety Agency, other recommendations should also be taken into account: ▪️Keep your hands clean at all times. ▪️Avoid preparing food if you have any symptoms of gastrointestinal illness. ▪️Cook food at a temperature of at least 70°C for two minutes in the center of the product. ▪️Keep the refrigerator temperature between 0°C and 4°C. ▪️Always keep the refrigerator clean.