If you are like most Americans who work in offices, you frequently eat at your desk. Follow these food safety tips before digging in:
Refrigerate right away. Perishable foods shouldn’t be left out in at room temperature for more than two hours. Refrigerate your lunch as soon as you get to the office. If you don’t have a fridge at work, pack your lunch in an insulated bag along with an ice pack.- Clean out the fridge. Don’t leave leftovers in the office fridge for more than three to five days. Label your containers and toss anything you don’t eat in a timely fashion.
- Reheat to proper temperatures. To kill bacteria, food needs to be reheated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The only way to test the temperature is to use a meat thermometer.
- Beware of dirty sponges. Damp sponges can harbor harmful bacteria. If your office kitchen sponge isn’t replaced on a regular basis, don’t use it. Clean your dishes with hot soapy water and dry with a paper towel instead.
- Keep the essentials handy. Keep hand sanitizer at your desk to use before and after eating. Keep disinfectant wipes handy, too, so spills can be cleaned up immediately.
Also keep food safety in mind when foods are brought to the office to share. When perishable treats are left out for more than two hours, they may spoil.
