KATHMANDU: The spring and summer along with its freshness and sunshine unfortunately do bring in diseases as well. It’s simple little things that you need to take care of so that your family stays healthy and happy this season.

Cleanliness first

• Wipe surfaces often, especially after using them for food preparation. Germs from undercooked meat can grow on vegetables cut or washed on the same surface as the meat. Mix and use a sanitiser solution of one capful of chlorine bleach per gallon of water for cleaning work area surfaces.

• Keep flies away! Cover trash containers, and do not store meat wrappers and other trash, even for a short time, in open cardboard boxes or uncovered containers.

• Do not use fly spray or chemical strips as they can contaminate the food.

• Keep plates, cups, utensils and food covered until ready to use.

• Never re-use plates before washing them, especially plates used to hold raw meats or eggs.

• Use a separate cutting board or surface for foods that will not be cooked (such as salad).

• When handling plates, cups and utensils, touch them where food will not be placed: use handles, rims, bottom of plates.

• Tie long hair back in a pony tail or bun. A hat, bandanna or net will also work.

• Don’t prepare and serve food if you have been sick with vomiting or diarrhoea within the past 24 hours.

• Don’t wear loose finger or wrist jewellery or false nails while working with food.

When working with food

• Leave the food preparation area to smoke, eat, or drink.

• When you return, wash your hands thoroughly before handling any food.

• Wash your hands after any contact with unclean surfaces like after handling trash or raw meat, eating or smoking, using the bathroom, handling pets, or dirtying your hands during any activity.

Other pointers

• Refrigerate any leftovers immediately! Never leave food at room temperature for more than two hours.

• Marinate food in the refrigerator. Don’t taste the marinade or re-use it after raw meat has been added.

• Do not store food containers out in the open; rather, place them in the shade.

• Keep raw foods separate from cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination.