Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is raising awareness about common food hygiene mistakes that often occur in the home.
Your kitchen may be the heart of your home, but could it also be a breeding ground for bacteria?
When it comes to staying healthy, most people think about eating balanced meals, getting enough exercise, and visiting their GP when sick. But many overlook a hidden danger right in their homes—the kitchen. From contaminated surfaces to poorly stored leftovers, basic food safety mistakes are one of the leading causes of preventable illness.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 600 million people fall ill each year from contaminated food, leading to 420,000 deaths globally. Alarmingly, children under the age of five account for 40% of these illnesses and 125,000 of the deaths. While these figures may seem distant, foodborne illness remains a serious and growing concern, even in home kitchens where basic hygiene mistakes often go unnoticed.
In some homes, hygiene gaps are common. Fridges are often overloaded, raw meats sit next to fresh vegetables, and leftovers are reheated days later without a second thought. People usually don’t realise that food can look and smell fine and still be dangerous.
“Food poisoning isn’t just an upset stomach,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“It can lead to severe dehydration, infections, and complications that are especially dangerous for children, pregnant women, and the elderly. If followed correctly, simple hygiene practices can drastically reduce the risk of illness.”
Where are people going wrong? The same mistakes tend to happen repeatedly, but the good news is they’re easy to fix once you know what to look out for.
- Using the same utensils or cutting boards for raw and cooked food is a significant issue. Bacteria, including Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli, spread quickly when tools aren’t appropriately cleaned between uses. Cross-contamination can happen even when using tongs to turn chicken and immediately flipping vegetables with the same tongs.
- Not washing hands is another major risk.
- Storing food incorrectly is also a danger. Fridges should be set to 5°C or below, but many households don’t monitor this. Storing hot leftovers directly in plastic containers without letting them cool properly or stacking warm items on top of cold ones encourages bacterial growth.
- Reheating food multiple times can also be problematic. Leftovers should be eaten within 2–3 days and reheated thoroughly once. Anything more increases the chances of bacteria surviving and multiplying.
- Thawing meat at room temperature is another mistake that leads to rapid bacterial growth. Meat should be thawed in the fridge, or cold water changed every 30 minutes—not on the countertop.
While these mistakes may seem small, they collectively contribute to the spread of foodborne illnesses in homes. Symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps are often dismissed as “just a bug,” but they may, in fact, be linked to unsafe food handling.
The risks are even higher in low-income households where access to refrigeration and clean running water may be limited. Children and elderly individuals in these settings are particularly vulnerable to complications such as dehydration, which can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Conclusion
A healthy kitchen is just as important as a nutritious meal. You can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness in your home by making a few small changes, like proper handwashing, safe food storage, and avoiding cross-contamination. Prevention starts with awareness and smart daily habits.
Affinity Health’s Day-to-Day Plan gives families affordable access to GPs, advice on symptoms such as diarrhoea and dehydration, and guidance on when to seek treatment, especially when food-related illness strikes.
About Affinity Health
Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.