Raw foods, especially meats contain microorganisms that can produce toxic substances. Dirt and sometimes chemicals used in the production of fruit and vegetables should be washed off. Food poisoning is possible when foods become contaminated. Cleanliness is essential in the kitchen. This means special care in refrigerating foods and for cleaning and disposing of food wastes.
Food is cooked to make it more palatable and in some cases safe for consumption.
Food waste and spills attract insects rodents that can carry disease. Florida winters are too mild to kill insects and mildew and molds each year, so the habit of cleanliness to protect against insect and mold infestation is especially important. Water and Energy Facts for the Kitchen Look at Table 1 to see how much water might be used in the kitchen today. Your home equipment and methods may not be the same as the examples, but the examples can serve as reliable guides for conserving both water and energy. In the Table note the amount of water for each use and the number of times used in a week.