- The Kitchen
- A kitchen: a place with cooking facilities where food is prepared; it must be hygienic and separated from toilet facilities, with easily-cleaned, crack-free work surfaces, cupboards, hot/cold water, drying tissues, and lidded dustbins. A person who prepares and cooks food is called a cook/chef.
Constructing a Modern Kitchen
- Build it far from the toilet, with a deep foundation (keeps out rats); ensure good ventilation and lighting with large opposite windows fitted with wire netting/gauze against flies.
- Use smooth tiled floors/walls for easy cleaning; allow enough space to work freely; provide smooth worktops, sinks for washing, tight-fitting doors/windows, a fridge for perishables, a chimney for smoke/odour, and a pantry for storage.
Kitchen Hygiene
- Build away from the toilet, with tight-fitting doors/windows and wire-netted windows to keep out vermin.
- Wash and dry chopping boards immediately after use (cracks can harbour decaying food); clean worktops with detergent then disinfectant.
- Use separate sponges/cloths for separate tasks (ideally disposable); wash dishrags/towels often in hot water. Work ‘clean as you go’ — raw meat/fish can cross-contaminate other foods.
- Drain only over the sink; keep food cupboards clean, cool, tidy, dry, with tight-fitting doors; sweep/mop floors and walls regularly.
- Tie rubbish bags before placing in the dustbin; keep pets and pests away from food, and discard any food they contact.