Reheating

Q. Can I reheat leftover food?

Yes. Leftovers should be used within 2-3 days and stored in the fridge at between 0-5°C during this time. They can be reheated as long as they are heated to 70°C or higher. Food should be very hot and steaming before it is served. It is important when reheating stews and casseroles that the liquid boils for around 3-5 minutes to ensure the pieces of meat are completely heated through. Leftovers should only be reheated once.

Q. Can I use my microwave to reheat foods?

Yes, but it is important to consult your manufacturer’s handbook, as microwaves differ in their power levels and operating conditions.

Food Preparation

Q. Should I wash a chicken before cooking?

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland does not recommend washing chicken (or any other poultry) in running water. This is because, when raw poultry is washed in this manner, the harmful bacteria present on the raw poultry may be sprayed around the washing area contaminating cloths, work surfaces and potentially other foodstuffs.

The best way to prepare poultry for cooking is to use wet kitchen towel to wipe the chicken and dispose of the kitchen towel immediately. Be sure to wash hands in antibacterial soap afterwards.

Q. What about the safety of hot and cold foods in a sandwich?

When consumers purchase or prepare a sandwich with a “hot filling” it is usually for fairly immediate consumption. Therefore, the addition of hot and cold fillings to the same sandwich is not a food safety concern. If the consumption of the sandwich is to be delayed, the sandwich should be stored appropriately and safely i.e. chilled in the fridge at 0-5°C.