Page 255 - New Medley 4 Semester 1

m Trim our nails regularly and keep ourselves clean.

m Wash our hands before and after meals.

m Wash our hands after visiting the toilet.

m Take vaccine in time.

PROTECTING FOOD FROM MICROBES

The food we eat must be protected from harmful microbes. We can protect our
food in the following ways:

Freezing and cooling
We can save or preserve the cooked food items from spoilage

by freezing or cooling it. Food can stay safe in a refrigerator for

many days because low temperature slows down the growth of
microbes.

Heating
Microbes cannot grow in very hot surroundings. They die at

a high temperature. So, milk and water are boiled to kill the
harmful microbes present in them. Killing microbes by

boiling
Dehydration

Removal of water from any substance is called dehydration.
Dehydration of food is commonly done in an oven or by

keeping it in the sun. It does not allow microbes to grow.
Cereals, pulses, fishes, herbs and spices are dried before

storing them for long periods.
Dehydrating food in the sun
Canning

Sealing foods in airtight tins or cans is also a method of protecting

food from microbes.

Salting and sweetening Canned food

Too much of salt or sugar in foods does not allow the microbes

to grow in them. Therefore, many fruits and vegetables are

Preserving food in the preserved in the form of pickles and jams.
form of jam and pickle

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