Kitchen Safety and Hygiene Tips for Children
As the heart of the home, the kitchen is a hub of activity – now more than ever as children and parents stay at home together in isolation.
Preparing healthy, colourful dinners and baking fun treats are all great activities to entertain and amuse children during their time at home. These activities also present the ideal opportunity to educate your little ones on practising good safety and hygiene while working in the kitchen.
Our Silestone Institute, an international platform for research and dissemination of knowledge about the kitchen space, recommends some tips to follow for children to adopt at an early age.
#wearehygiene
- Do not run in the kitchen, walk carefully and be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not use knives without adult supervision.
- Use a cutting board to cut fruits and vegetables and do not lean on your hand while cutting.
- Do not use the same utensils to cut different types of food without thoroughly washing them first. For example, do not cut meat and then cut fruit with the same knife.
- Do not use electrical appliances (such as microwaves) without adult supervision.
- Have dry hands when turning on any switches.
- Turn off appliances when you are finished using them.
- Use the handles inwards on the kitchen bench or table.
- Always wash your hands before cooking, rubbing them thoroughly with warm soapy water for 15 to 20 seconds on your fingers, back of hands and wrists. Then wipe dry with a clean cloth or single-use paper towel.
- Before starting to cook, wear an apron, have your hair tied up and wear short-sleeved clothing or rolled-up sleeves.
- Avoid touching anything else with your hands while preparing food.
- Clean up spills immediately. Use a paper towel, avoiding sponges or kitchen towels.
- Promptly dispose of any food that has fallen on to the floor.
