Food safety tips for 'Umrah' and at home

Abu Dhabi: As part of its food safety awareness drive during Ramadan, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority calls upon Gulf News readers to always carefully observe hygiene conditions in the food establishments they visit before buying anything. If the outward appearance itself is unappealing, the products you buy will be all the more unhealthy, the authority said.

The safety of the consumer is the red line that should never be crossed in any circumstances. In the month ahead of Ramadan, 18 food establishments in the emirate of Abu Dhabi were closed for ‘chronic' non-compliance with food safety norms and repeated violations.

This week the authority answers some frequently asked questions on safe food handling during Ramadan.

What are the food safety precautions that we should follow while going for Umrah during the month of Ramadan?

At the very outset, we would like to state spending long hours in reflection, prayer and recital of the Quran inside the holy premises and performing Umrah in the fasting month are bound to provide you with a remarkable degree of mental peace and subsequent immunity from diseases.

At the same time, it is important for the person performing Umrah to observe a few things to avoid exposing himself to difficulties. They must undergo a medical test to confirm they are free from disease. They must also get vaccinations against contagious diseases like typhoid and meningitis before the trip.

While on Umrah and while travelling, they must eat healthy food, drink clean water and ensure good hygiene. They must also keep away from the sick. It is also advisable to carry a first aid box. As for people with chronic diseases, they must carry all their medicines for the duration of the Umrah. It is essential to stick to hygienic food and a balanced diet. Since Umrah involves a good deal of physical strain and direct exposure to sunlight for long durations, it is important to eat energy-preserving foods and to drink plenty of fluids. Fresh fruit and vegetables will also help greatly. Avoid hawkers who sell food on the pavements.

Never eat in restaurants that do not look clean. If you vomit or have diarrhoea or run a high temperature, you are most probably suffering from food poisoning. You must rush to the nearest medical clinic for treatment.

What is the proper way to defrost meat?

The best way to defrost meat is to leave it overnight in the refrigerator. Ensure you put it in the lowest part of the refrigerator and avoid any drips by placing the meat in a deep bowl.

Will food that's stored in a freezer for a long period of time be safe to eat?

Safe food that was properly handled and stored at -18 C will remain safe. Only the quality of food will remain intact with lengthy freezer storage. Tenderness, flavour, aroma, juiciness, and the colour of frozen food can all be affected.

Does washing fresh produce eliminate pesticide residues from food?

Washing fresh produce before eating is a healthy habit. You can reduce and often eliminate residues if they are present on fruit and vegetables by following some simple steps:

- Wash produce with large amounts of cold or warm tap water, and scrub with a brush when appropriate; do not use soap.

- Throw away the outer leaves of leafy vegetables.

How can consumers reduce the risk of food-borne diseases from fresh produce?

Food-borne diseases can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people with food-borne diseases can experience fever, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

The following are some steps that consumers can take to reduce the risk of food-borne diseases from fresh produce:

-  After purchase, quickly put the produce that needs refrigeration in the fridge. Leftover cut produce should be discarded if left at room temperature for more than two hours.

- Wash hands often. Hands should be washed with hot soapy water before and after handling fresh produce, raw meat, poultry, or seafood, as well as after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or handling pets.

- Wash all fresh fruit and vegetables with cool tap water immediately before eating. Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush.

- Wash surfaces often. Cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops should be washed with hot soapy water and sanitised after coming in contact with fresh produce, raw meat, poultry, or seafood. Sanitise after use with a solution of one teaspoon of chlorine bleach in one quart of water. Then rinse with water to get rid of any traces of chlorine.

Avoid cross-contamination:

- Use clean cutting boards and utensils when handling fresh produce. If possible, use one clean cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, and seafood. Do not consume ice that has come in contact with fresh produce or other raw products.

n Use a cooler with ice or use ice gel packs when transporting or storing perishable food outdoors, including cut fresh fruit and vegetables.

An unpleasant smell emerges from my refrigerator and it does not go away even after repeatedly washing the refrigerator. What is it due to and what can I do?

There can be many reasons that cause a bad smell inside the refrigerator, such as power cuts or rotten food.

- Wipe the cooling unit from the inside using a solution containing water and vinegar in equal measure.

- Wash the cooling unit from the inside with a solution of water and sodium bicarbonate, and make sure to scrub the shelves well. Leave the door of the refrigerator open for a long time, preferably for a few days

- Fill the refrigerator with newspapers and leave the door closed for several days. Wash the refrigerator with a solution of vinegar and water after removing the papers.

Do you have any food related queries? Do you have any specific concerns during Ramadan?