Going Cooking? Trivia Quiz

Answer: wash in warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds

When preparing food, hands should be washed often in warm, soapy water. It is very important to do this for about 20 seconds after handling raw meat or eggs so that the spread of bacteria can be prevented. The use of soap is very important. Always remember that proper handwashing is effective in eliminating a large percentage of food poisoning.

By the way, wiping your hands on your apron is not hygienic at all.

Answer: food thermometer

When reheating food it should be remembered that the internal temperature must be high enough to kill harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to make sure that the food has reached the desired temperature.

Answer: False

Foods should be defrosted in either the microwave or refrigerator. When using the refrigerator for defrosting be sure to cover raw meat and place it on the bottom shelf as this will prevent raw juices from dripping on other foods. When meat is defrosted in the microwave it must be cooked as soon as defrosting is complete.

Answer: plain water

All fruits and vegetables should be scrubbed with plain water. This will remove dirt as well as pesticides or contamination caused by bacteria. Detergents should not be used to wash foods as they were not made for that purpose. The chemical residue from detergents or soap might not be rinsed off thoroughly and you might ingest it. Remember to remove the outer leaves from vegetables such as lettuce.

Answer: Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis affects the stomach and intestines of humans. The bacteria that causes this illness is found in animal faeces. It is usually spread to humans when they eat foods that have been contaminated by infected animal faeces. Even fruits and vegetables can be contaminated by faeces in the soil or water where they grow. All forms of meat as well as eggs must be cooked properly to kill the bacteria and fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed before consumption.

Answer: The gills should be bluish-grey.

When buying fresh fish it is not very easy to tell exactly how fresh it is since you would not have caught it yourself. Don't worry. It is quite easy to buy fresh fish when you know what you are looking for. Always look for bright, clear eyes, vlbrant flesh, bright red gills and an even tone in colour.

The fish should look wet and shiny. Pay attention to the smell as well. Never buy nasty-smelling fish.

Answer: No

It is never safe to eat foods after the expiry date. The expiry date is the last day that it is safe to consume a food. It is different from the best before date which is used to guarantee freshness but has nothing to do with safety. Never, never consume products after the expiry date as this can be very dangerous for your health.

Answer: Use pot holders or mitts when handling hot vessels.

When using a gas stove always get help from an adult. Dish towels should never be used when handling hot vessels. Instead use pot holders or mitts. Pot and pan handles should always be turned to the back of the stove as this will prevent you from accidentally knocking them over. Remember that tin foil or metal should never be placed in a microwave. Check to make sure that a vessel is microwave-proof before using it in the microwave. Pay attention to what you are doing and never read or watch the television while cooking.

Answer: leaving spills on the floor until cooking is complete

When cooking, cleaning up should be an ongoing process. Spills such as oil and water can cause you to slip and hurt yourself in the kitchen so clean these up immediately. Even if you have a dishwasher you will find out that cleaning up as you go along makes life easier in the kitchen.

Answer: False

Never wear long, loose clothing in the kitchen. Before beginning you should tie back long hair and if your sleeves are long you should roll them up. You may want to wear an apron to keep your clothes clean but big, loose clothing should definitely be avoided as they might catch on fire or get caught in equipment.