Tips for avoiding contamination at home
Are you gluten free alone or with a family - some of you or all of you. As a mum it can be difficult enough to cook meals with members of the family coming and going during the day. I love meal planning and bulk making food and freezing it down and as a family that works for us. As a family we also chose how to organise our kitchen, our food and our cooking. Here are some of our tips to help you think about how to organise your lives in the kitchen and home. Read the whole topic before you start completing the list!
Let’s clean the kitchen.
Clean out the cutlery drawers and fridge and freezer and cupboards. Wipe down all the surfaces and start to think about what you have in the kitchen and whether you still feel comfortable using it.
Replace wooden spoons and cutting boards
Wooden spoons and cutting boards should be replaced once you are diagnosed but all other items should be okay after a thorough wash.
Wash dish rags/sponges frequently
Due to cross contamination you can keep your washing equipment for dishes separate or perhaps a different colour. What would work best in your home? Whatever you choose remember to wash them frequently.
Dedicate shelves and cabinets in your kitchen and refrigerator to gluten-free plates / implements
Important if you are sharing a kitchen with those who don’t have the same issue and don’t be embarrassed about marking the cupboard with a label. This is your health you are safeguarding and you are 100% worth it.
Use a new toaster for gluten-free foods only or buy toaster bags
Look at the implements you use in your kitchen. Toasters will need replacing or you may need two of them in the house - one just for you and your bread. You shouldn’t use a toaster that has already been used with food that contains gluten. Remember to label it as such! Look at your waffle or toasted sandwich maker. If you are happy they are clean then keep them for your use but you may need to educate other users of properly washing the items after use.
Throw non gluten food out or move it to a specific cupboard or freezer or fridge shelf.
Do you need to throw out food that you can’t eat. Get a box together and if the food is in date collect it all up and distribute to a friend or a local food bank or homeless shelter. If the food isn’t in your home then you can’t be tempted.
Dedicate shelves and cabinets in your kitchen and refrigerator to gluten-free foods
If you intend to keep the food then try and move it all to one location. Mark that location clearly so that family and visiting friends can see this food may cause you issues.
Mark containers with “GF” on the lid of gluten-free items
In our online shop you will find labels for containers and food. With everything moved I still choose to label food and containers. It’s a fantastic reminder to friends and family that you live with or who come and visit and with a toddler in the house it is a wonderful way to get him to start thinking about what can and can’t be eaten. Children grow up fast and this is part of getting them used to asking the question when they are around at other people’s homes or in a restaurant.
Use bottles for condiments or specific boxes for food to avoid contamination
Some people prefer to purchase specific containers for food but I find marking them with a label is sufficient for me. Even school lunch boxes are marked in our house.
Keep food preparation areas very clean
Finally when you’re about to cook or have finished cooking clean the area. If you live with other people (perhaps you’re a student) and you don’t know who has used the work surface before you then give it a clean first. It will take minutes but if you come into contact with the wrong food you can be ill for a lot longer!
If you require any further information or help then please get in contact with me via the form online.
I hope you have enjoyed this information. Until next time!
Emma Alexander-Cook.
