大象传媒

A robot wearing a chef's hat and an apron in front of a colourful background

Why do we get ready to cook?

Before you start cooking, there are some very important things that you need to do.

This is to make sure that you don鈥檛 add any germs to the food.

This makes it safe for you and other people to eat.

A robot wearing a chef's hat and an apron in front of a colourful background
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Video: Getting ready to cook

Find out more about what steps you need to take when getting ready to cook.

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How do we get ready to cook?

These are the five things that you always need to do before you start cooking.

It is important to do them in the right order.

A young girl standing wearing a red top, jeans and trainers, with a blue apron on top. Her arms are out at her sides with palms open.

Follow the five important steps to keep germs away from food.

These first three steps can be done in any order.

First:

  • Tie back long hair so that it is away from the food.

  • Take off any jewellery, especially rings, watches and bracelets.

  • Roll your sleeves up above your elbows.

Then:

  • Wash and dry your hands.

Finally:

  • Put on a clean apron to protect your clothes.
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A microscope with an arrowed circle next to it showing enlarged, differently shaped germs.

What are germs?

Germs are tiny living things that are everywhere.

They are so small that you need a microscope to see them.

Most germs don't cause us any harm.

Some germs that you can find in people鈥檚 noses, throats and on their hands can make us ill.

When cooking, it is important to wash your hands after you sneeze or cough so that you don鈥檛 add any germs to the food.

You need to make sure that all your work surfaces and cooking tools are clean too.

A microscope with an arrowed circle next to it showing enlarged, differently shaped germs.
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Quiz: Let's get ready to cook!

Can you follow the correct steps to make sure you are ready to cook?

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More on Cooking and nutrition

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