Tips for Stress free life  >  Expert Zone   > Cooking

       Cooking Tips by experts


Bacteria and Food-borne Diseases


Types of Bacteria

Bacteria are all around us, in the air, water, ground, on our skin and in our bodies. They are classified in a variety of ways, but for our purpose we can categorize them in a more basic way.

Harmless bacteria - Most bacteria fall into this category. They are neither help us nor are harmful to us. These bacteria have a specific purpose, but are not a concerning to us in terms of food safety,

Beneficial bacteria - Believe it or not some bacteria are helpful to us. Some bacteria are used in foods to make cheeses and yogurts. And still others live in our bodies to fight of harmful bacteria.

Undesirable bacteria - Undesirable bacteria is responsible for food spoilage. This type of bacteria may not make you sick, but they show themselves by the use of odors, sticky or slimy surfaces and discoloration.

Illness causing bacteria or pathogens - These are the bacteria that cause most food-borne illnesses. Pathogens do not necessarily leave detectable odors or taste in food. This makes it impossible to tell if food is contaminated by smelling or tasting, or looking at it. The only way to protect yourself from this bacteria is by proper food handling and sanitation.

Bacteria Growth

Bacteria simply multiply by splitting in half. Under the ideal conditions, they can double in number every 15 to 30 minutes. This means that one single bacterium could multiply to a million in less than 6 hours.

What do bacteria need to multiply?

Food - Some from of food is a basic requirement for bacteria to grow.

Moisture - Water is required for bacteria in order to absorb food. Dry foods will not support bacterial growth. As well, foods with very high salt or sugar content make bacteria unable to use the moisture present.

Temperature - Bacteria grow best at warm temperatures between 40 and 140°F. This temperature range is what we call the food danger zone.

Air - Most bacteria require oxygen to grow, but not all. There are some exceptions, one type of bacteria being botulism.

Time - When bacteria are introduced to a new environment, they need time to adjust before they start to grow. This time is called the lag phase and last about one hour.

How is bacteria transferred?

Bacteria are carried from one place to another by being carried. This can happened by peoples hands, coughs, other food, utensils, equipment, water, or pests.

Preventing Bacteria Growth

Now that we know how bacteria grow and are spread; we should be able to prevent food-borne illness by following three simple steps.

1. Keep bacteria from spreading by not letting anything that might contain bacteria tough the food. This includes people, dirty equipment, utensils and possibly other foods.

2. Stop bacteria from growing by taking away the conditions that encourage growth. The most effective way is to keep food out of the danger zone. Keep foods below 40°F and about 140°F

3. Finally kill the bacteria. Most bacteria are killed if they are subject to a temperature above 165°F for 30 seconds. This is how we make food safe by cooking. This heat is also how we sanitize dishes and equipment. Certain chemicals (such as bleach) also kill bacteria. Using sanitizing agents is best way to sanitize counter tops and large equipment.

About The Author

Chef Richard has worked in some of the finest restaurants in Washington State and is the author of the ebook "Chef's Special". You can find free recipes, informative articles and order the ebook at http://www.csrecipes.com


MORE RESOURCES:

See the complete list of Articles on Cooking Tips here

Have a look at Best Selling Books on Cooking Tips

 

Google

See also : Other articles on

Depression, Grief Loss, Happiness, Humor, Inspirational, Motivation,
Positive Attitude
, Meditation, Spirituality Goal Setting, Wealth Building, Ethics, Stress Management
Yoga, Alternative Health, Build Muscle, Exercise,   Aerobics Cardio, Fitness Equipment Pregnancy  Dating, Elder Care, RelationshipAcneBeauty, Hair Loss
Cooking Tips, Recipes, Top Tips for everything Crafts Hobbies, Creativity, Fishing Photography, Pets,
 

Latest info on : Cooking tips

 


Cooking tips for Thanksgiving
Bayshore Broadcasting News Centre, Canada - 41 minutes ago
Lots of Turkeys in the oven this weekend to celebrate Thanksgiving and local health officials are warning people to make sure the bird is properly cooked to ...


Celebrity chef cooking tips from Rick Bayless, Jose Garces
The Stew - Chicago Tribune Blog, IL - Sep 27, 2008
I like the way the folks organizing Chicago Gourmet have teamed two chefs together for each of the cooking demonstrations on the stage of the Pritzker ...


Go Healthy: 13 Cooking Tips
Beliefnet.com, NY - Sep 24, 2008
On Your Mark, Get Ready, GO HEALTHY! - Simple and Easy Tips by Janice Taylor, Life & Wellness Coach, Certified Hypnotist, Syndicated Columnist, ...


Diabetes seminar offers cooking tips, tastes
Kansas.com, KS - Sep 23, 2008
BY KAREN SHIDELER What's Cookin' With Diabetes is a free seminar that will include taste-testing healthy recipes, tips for healthy eating and information on ...


Cheryle Finley: Cooking tips come 'To the Rescue'
Joplin Globe, MO - Sep 16, 2008
What a wonderful day we had at the Grace Magazine Day for Women. I know a good number of you attended because I saw you. I not only got to visit with old ...


Only at calgaryherald.com
Calgary Herald,  Canada - 19 hours ago
Blog: Licia Corbella takes a look at Stephane Dion's TV interview troubles. Thanksgiving Guide: Complete package of recipes, cooking tips and decoration ...


Talkin' Turkey on EatTurkey.com
MarketWatch - Oct 8, 2008
Visitors to www.eatturkey.com are welcomed by a cartoon turkey that connects them to holiday cooking tips, making successful meal planning a simple "click ...


A second career in mushrooms
Telegraph-Journal, Canada - 19 hours ago
... and specialty stores, but buying them from her carries the added benefit of picking up a few cooking tips: Lobster mushrooms are great in risotto. ...


Phoenix New Times

Next Weekend: Celebrate Julia Child, MFK Fisher, and Other Grande ...
Phoenix New Times, AZ - Oct 10, 2008
The book itself is incredible -- a fat tome of awesome recipes, cooking tips, and beverage suggestions from distinguished members of Les Dames D'Escoffier, ...


UNI PLC Women: Bringing better opportunities!
UNI Global Union, Switzerland - Oct 7, 2008
PLC-Women officers also take time to attend cooking demonstrations by “Nestle” and we were able to learn some economical cooking tips. ...

Cooking-Tips - Google News

Why not be an expert yourself  ?

 If you can write on any of the above topic, you are welcome to submit your
 articles in our database :

 Submit your article here   Our Article Area

You are here Home > Tips for Stress free Life > Expert Zone >Cooking Tips


| Cooking Tips Home | All Cooking Tips- complete list 

 Main Home | | Meditation Corner

                |Health Tips  | Workplace Tips  | Soul Tips  |Expert Zone  |

Recommend us  |

 Books, DVDs and accessories on meditation & yoga  |

[About us] [Contact] [Privacy Policy]

Copyright 2006, Meditation is Easy.com, All rights reserved