15
Food hygiene standards (storage, handling and preparation)
apply to microwaving. Always store convenience foods as
recommended by the food manufacturer and keep no longer than
the "Use By" date.
Hygiene
Composition
& quality
Food high in fat or sugar (Christmas pudding, mince pies)
requires less heating time and should be watched, over-heating
can lead to fire. Use good quality ingredients for microwaving.
Economical cuts of meat can be used for casseroles.
Density &
quantity
Food density and quantity affect the amount of cooking time
needed, for example, potatoes require more cooking than peas;
four potatoes will take longer to cook than two.
For even cooking stir, turn or rearrange food during cooking.
Where recommended, leave food to stand after cooking or
defrosting.
Stir, turn &
stand
Initial temperature
The initial temperature of food affects the amount of cooking time
needed, for example, chilled food requires more cooking than
food at room temperature. The temperature of the container is
not a true indication of the temperature of the food or drink. Cut
into foods with fillings, for example, jam doughnuts, to release
heat or steam.
Piercing
Food with skin (e.g. potatoes, apples, fish, sausages, chicken),
or with membrane (e.g. egg whites/yolks), must be pierced in
several places before cooking or reheating. If not, steam will
build up and may cause food to explode.
Arrangement
Place thickest parts of food on the outside of the dish, e.g. place
the meaty ends of chicken drumsticks on the outside of the
dish.
Covering
Fish, vegetables and certain other foods benefit from being
covered during microwave cookery, follow recommendations
where given and use vented microwave cling film or a suitable lid.
Size & shape
Food size and shape affect the amount of cooking time needed.
When cooking more than one portion of the same food ensure
they are of a similar size and shape.
Face & Hands:
Always use oven gloves to remove food or cookware from the oven. Stand back when opening
the oven door to allow heat or steam to disperse. When removing covers (such as cling-film), opening roasting
bags or popcorn packaging, direct steam away from face and hands.
!
Check the temperature of food and drink and stir (before serving). Take special care when serving food
to babies, children or the elderly. the contents of feeding bottles and baby food jars should be stirred or
shaken and the temperature checked before consumption to avoid burns.
FOOD HANDLING & PREPARATION
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