A30317, SUK
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
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 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
Stir, turn & stand
Initial temperature
Piercing
Arrangement
Covering
Size & shape
Density & quantity
Composition
&quality
Hygiene
For even cooking stir, turn or rearrange food during cooking. Where recommended, leave food to stand after cooking or defrosting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Food high in fat or sugar (Christmas pudding, mince pies) requires less heating time and should be watched,
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.
18
