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A veteran doctor recently posted a thought-provoking health reminder on social media, which has sparked widespread attention and discussion. The doctor pointed out that many people have misconceptions about the handling of leftovers, believing that as long as they are heated, they can ensure that they are safe to eat. In fact, this view is so wrong that it can even be health-threatening.
Doctors emphasize that the bacteria in leftovers multiply at an alarming rate. Even after refrigeration, some bacteria can grow slowly at low temperatures. To make matters worse, some bacteria produce toxins that cannot be completely destroyed even at high temperatures. Simple heating does not guarantee the safety of leftovers.
How do we properly dispose of leftovers? The doctor gives a few practical tips:
First of all, leftovers should be cooled as soon as possible. Food that is left out at room temperature for more than two hours will have a much faster rate of bacterial growth. It is recommended to divide leftovers into small portions and place them in a shallow dish to allow for faster cooling. Store in the refrigerator immediately after cooling, and the temperature should be kept below 4°C.
Secondly, storage time is critical. Even refrigerated leftovers should not be stored for more than 3-4 days. Beyond this time, the number of bacteria in the food may have reached unsafe levels. It is recommended that you label leftovers with a date in the refrigerator so that they can be disposed of in a timely manner.
In addition, there is also a special emphasis on heating. It is recommended to heat food thoroughly to at least 74°C and keep it at this temperature for at least 15 seconds. This temperature kills most harmful bacteria. When using the microwave, pay attention to the uniformity of the heating of the food, which can be stirred several times during the heating process.
In particular, doctors warn that reheating of certain foods may produce harmful substances. Vegetables such as spinach and celery that contain high amounts of nitrates may be converted into harmful nitrites when heated multiple times.
During repeated heating and cooling of rice, it may also breed heat-resistant bacillus and cause food poisoning. It is best to eat this type of food all at once and avoid repeated reheating.
For some special groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and people with weakened immunity, doctors recommend extra caution. These populations have a weaker resistance to foodborne illness and are best avoided eating leftovers. If you must eat it, make sure that the storage and heating process is safe.
Interestingly, the doctor also shared a tip: you can use the different temperature zones of the refrigerator to store food. The temperature of the refrigerator door part is high, which is suitable for placing condiments; The middle layer has a moderate temperature and can be used to place dairy products; The bottom layer has the lowest temperature, which is suitable for storing meat and seafood. This maximizes the shelf life of food and reduces waste.
The doctor also mentioned that many people ignore the cleaning of kitchen utensils. Cutting boards, knives and other utensils can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria if they are not cleaned properly. It is recommended to use different cutting boards for raw and cooked food separately and to regularly deep clean the kitchenware with boiling water or sanitizer.
In addition to properly disposing of leftovers, doctors also emphasize the importance of a reasonable diet. Cooking in moderation and avoiding too much leftover food can reduce waste and reduce the risk of eating stale food.
If you do have leftovers, try making them into new dishes that will avoid waste and add to the pleasure of eating.
The doctor called on everyone to raise awareness of food safety. Food safety is a matter of personal health and an important public health issue. Each of us should learn basic food safety knowledge, develop good eating habits, and work together to create a healthy and safe eating environment.
The doctor's sharing sparked resonance and discussion among many netizens. Some people said that there were indeed misunderstandings in the past, but now they finally understand the correct way to deal with it. There are also people who share their own experience and tips in handling leftovers.
Some people even suggested that these food safety knowledge should be included in school education to cultivate a correct concept of diet from an early age.
Dealing with leftovers may seem like a minor issue, but it is actually a matter of our daily health. With the right way to store, heat and eat, we can effectively reduce the risk of foodborne illness and enjoy a safer, healthier diet.
Let's work together to spread this valuable health knowledge to everyone around us and contribute to creating a healthier society.
What do you have to say about this? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section!