Taro Rigby – Level 3 Children and Young People’s work force
Task 6 - Write an outline of how to prepare and store food, formula and breast milk safely according to health and safety guidelines.
Food preparation & Storage
It is important to ensure that food is stored correctly and prepared in a way that meets food hygiene standards. Washing your hands before and after touching foods is very important as well as during preparation and handling and by using coloured chopping boards (and utensils) you will prevent cross contamination of food during preparation. Fridge and freezer temperatures need to be monitored ensuring they are within correct temperature range for food storage. A fridge should be a minimum of 1°C and maximum of 8°C (the optimum temp between 3°C and 5°C) and a freezer at -18°C. Temperatures can be checked with a fridge/freezer thermometer or food probe. EU regulations state that food business premises must maintain procedures in line with HACCP (Hazard analysis critical control points) – these are the temperature guidelines for cooking, heating and storing all food products.
In the fridge raw meats and fish need to be in a suitable lidded container and other meat/ food items wrapped securely to prevent contamination. Food is best stored in the fridge as per the diagram to prevent contamination from product to product -
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When cooking food it must reach a temperature of 75°C at the thickest part. If you are hot holding food it must be kept at a minimum 63°C. The Law
To view a copy of the regulations please click on the relevant download below
Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 Hygiene of foodstuffs
The Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 (Schedule 4)

Breast Milk Storage and use
Breast milk can be expressed as an alternative/extra to breast feeding. This can be done by hand or by using a manual or electric pump. Always remember to wash hands thoroughly and sterilize all equipment. When milk has been expressed it can be stored in a sterilised container in the fridge or freezer. It will keep for 5 days in a fridge at 4°C, for 2 weeks in an ice compartment in a fridge and for up to 6 months in a freezer. Breast milk must be placed in a fridge to defrost and used straight away. DO NOT refreeze breast milk once thawed. Breast milk can be heated by plcing