It’s Christmas time, but experts advise the public to be cautious when preparing food for gatherings and to always observe kitchen safety practices to avoid food poisoning.

First, raw products such as meat and poultry bought from the marketplace must be thoroughly washed because they can possibly be contaminated by Salmonella, a bacteria type that can cause infection which may lead to bloody diarrhea or gastrointestinal diseases.

According to microbiologist Dr. Windell Rivera, the public must be cautious when preparing meat as it can also potentially contaminate other products.

“Gumamit ka ng chopping board para lang sa meat na ito. Ibang chopping board ang gamitin mo for vegetable salad preparation. (Use a separate chopping board for meat and vegetables),” said Rivera.

Rivera said having a separate knife and chopping board can help avoid cross contamination of bacteria.

Because large amounts of food will be served this holiday season, experts said do not simultaneously take food out of the refrigerator or freezer.

“Kung ano muna yung kaya niyang iprepare, kasi once na-expose lahat nung pagkain sa kitchen, yung cross contamination napaka possible (Prepare only what can be cooked or prepared immediately. Food exposed under room temperature can be easily be contaminated).”

One bacteria type that can contaminate food left in room temperature is the Bacillus cereus, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting or nausea.

When not yet in use, experts said raw products should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer as bacteria is prevented from multiplying under cool temperature.

Once raw products are thoroughly washed and cautiously prepared, thorough cooking and safe storage are a must.

“Kung warm ang pagkain or hot yung pagkain, dapat maintain siya around 60-70 degrees Celsius. Maganda kung meron tayong mga hot trays na gagamitin para mamaintain yung temperature na iyon (Hot foods must be maintained at temperatures which range between 60-70 degrees. Having a hot