Why WHO recommends eating cooked food ‘immediately’

Did you know about 600 million people worldwide get sick after eating contaminated foods? A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) paints this concerning picture, leading to 420,000 deaths and a staggering loss of healthy life years.

The WHO offers a solution: their 10 “Golden Rules” for safe food preparation. These simple guidelines can significantly reduce your risk of foodborne illness. One of these golden rules that WHO proposed is eating cooked food immediately. We all know the importance of cooking food thoroughly to eliminate harmful bacteria.

The WHO emphasised that as cooked meals cool to room temperature, bacteria growth accelerates. Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant of Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, agreed and explained why enjoying your meal right after cooking offers a double benefit.

The “danger zone” for bacterial growth

Cooking eliminates most harmful microorganisms present in raw ingredients. However, as Dr Chatterjee explains, “once the food cools down to temperatures between 5°C and 60°C (40°F and 140°F), it enters a zone where any surviving bacteria can multiply rapidly.” This “danger zone” creates a breeding ground for foodborne illness.

The benefits of immediate consumption extend beyond safety. Dr Chatterjee highlighted that some nutrients, especially vitamins, are sensitive to prolonged exposure to heat, air, and light. Leaving cooked food out can lead to the degradation of these essential nutrients, diminishing their health value.

By prioritising immediate consumption, you ensure optimal food safety and quality. (file)

But taste and texture suffer too. Ever reheated a meal only to find it dry, stale, or with an off-flavour? Dr Chatterjee explained that holding cooked food can cause it to dry out, lose its freshness, develop undesirable flavors, and undergo textural changes. Additionally, some cooking methods trigger chemical reactions within the food that continue even after cooking is complete. Leaving cooked food out allows these reactions to continue unchecked, potentially altering the food’s properties in an undesirable way.

Enjoy your meal fresh for maximum benefit

By prioritising immediate consumption, you ensure optimal food safety and quality. Here are some tips to enjoy your cooked food fresh:

Plan portion sizes: Cook only what you intend to eat at that meal to minimize leftovers.

Prepare side dishes just before serving: This ensures everything arrives at the table hot and fresh.

Utilise leftovers safely: If you do have leftovers, refrigerate them promptly within two hours of cooking and reheat them thoroughly before consuming.

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