Food Safety Tips for the Office

You’re probably familiar with the common kitchen rules– cooking meat thoroughly, disinfecting surfaces– but perhaps you haven’t given much thought to the OTHER place you likely eat the most!

70 percent of Americans eat at their desks or at work on a regular basis, so concern over cleanliness should be a top priority to avoid illness.

* Monitor refrigeration. Perishable foods (sandwiches, leftovers) can spoil if left unrefrigerated for more than two hours. Utilize your company’s fridge or use an insulated lunch bag.
* Label or date your food. Time can slip by when leftovers enter the fridge, so monitor shelf life.
* Mop up the microwave. Besides being considerate of others, cleaning food splatters can prevent health hazards.
* Bring your own sponge or disposable cleaning products. As sponges notoriously harbor bacteria, there’s an even greater chance the one at work isn’t cleaned frequently.
* Sanitize your eating quarters. Bring disinfectant wipes, paper towels, and a spray cleanser to clean off your workstation. Your phone and mouse are in constant contact with your hands, which in turn touch your food.
* Clock in Carry-Out. When you bring food back to the office to eat, be sure to eat it promptly or refrigerate it to avoid food borne illness.