Guide · On the day and after

Safe meat handling

A kitchen full of fresh meat on a hot day is exactly when food safety matters most. The World Health Organization's five keys to safer food give a simple structure[1].

About 2 min read

The five keys

The WHO groups safe food habits into five keys: keep clean, separate raw and cooked, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials[1]. Below, each key is applied to a typical Eid day at home.

01Keep clean

  • Wash hands with soap and water before handling meat and after touching raw meat.
  • Wash knives, boards and surfaces between tasks.
  • Keep the cutting area clear of animals and insects.

02Separate raw and cooked

  • Use separate boards and knives for raw meat and ready-to-eat food.
  • Store raw meat in sealed bags or containers below cooked food in the fridge.
  • Pack delivery portions in clean, closed bags.

03Cook thoroughly

  • Cook meat until it is cooked through, especially minced meat and offal.
  • Bring stews and curries to a full boil when reheating.

04Keep food at safe temperatures

  • Do not leave raw or cooked meat at room temperature for long, which matters more in summer heat.
  • Refrigerate or freeze promptly, and avoid overfilling the fridge so it stays cold.
  • Thaw frozen meat in the fridge rather than on the counter.

05Use safe water and raw materials

  • Use safe water for washing meat, utensils and hands.
  • Do not use meat that looks or smells spoiled.

Before the meat reaches the kitchen

Anyone who has been around the animal should wash their hands with soap and water before going to the kitchen; the CDC notes that animals can carry germs even when they look healthy[2]. Children should be kept away from the work area and supervised.

Sharing portions safely

When you divide meat with the distribution tracker, deliver fresh portions promptly and tell recipients to refrigerate them. If you cannot deliver the same day, chill or freeze the portion first.

References

  1. [1]World Health Organization. Five keys to safer food manual. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241594639
  2. [2]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Farm Animals. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/farm-animals.html

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