News

7 Common Kitchen Mistakes That Could Be Making You Sick

Published

2 years ago

September 19, 2024

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, where delicious meals are created and shared with loved ones.

Even well-meaning cooks can make mistakes that turn a good meal into a health risk. It’s not just restaurant food that can make you sick — home-cooked meals can too.

To keep your food safe, here are seven common kitchen mistakes to avoid.

Not washing your hands properly

We all know we should wash our hands. But let’s be honest — how many of us actually do it thoroughly every single time?

Not washing your hands properly after handling raw meat, poultry, or fish can spread harmful bacteria all over your kitchen. The key is to wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching raw ingredients.

Also, be mindful of what you touch afterward, like taps, oven handles, or fridge doors, because you don’t want to spread germs across the kitchen.

Defrosting meat and poultry on the counter

Defrosting food on the kitchen counter might seem convenient, but it can lead to bacteria growth, especially in warm weather and make you sick. Always defrost meat, poultry, and fish in the fridge to keep them safe.

A handy tip: place them on the bottom shelf to prevent raw juices from dripping onto other foods.

Not replacing dish sponges and cloths

The sponge by your sink might seem harmless, but it can collect bacteria from moisture and food particles

Make it a habit to replace or disinfect your sponges weekly, and regularly wash dish cloths in hot water to keep them clean.

Reusing kitchen utensils without washing

If you’re using the same tongs, spatulas, or wooden spoons to handle both raw and cooked foods without washing them in between, you’re setting yourself up for cross-contamination.

Always use separate utensils or wash them thoroughly before moving from raw to cooked food to avoid spreading bacteria from raw meat to ready-to-eat dishes.

Overcrowding your fridge

A packed fridge might seem like a good idea, but overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation, uneven cooling, and even spoiled food.

It’s important to leave some space between items in your fridge so air can circulate properly. This keeps your food fresh and safe for longer periods of time.

Not washing fruits and vegetables with inedible skins

Even if you’re peeling an orange or banana, it’s important to rinse it first. Bacteria on the skin can transfer to the inside when you cut through.

A quick rinse under cool water helps prevent this.

Leaving cooked food out for too long

It’s easy to get distracted after cooking a big meal, but leaving food out for too long can lead to bacteria growth. Try to refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking, or one hour if it’s a particularly hot day.

Storing food promptly in the fridge helps keep it safe to eat later without falling sick.

By avoiding these common kitchen mistakes, you’ll not only keep your kitchen cleaner, but also help ensure the meals you prepare are safe for everyone to enjoy. A little extra attention to hygiene and food handling can go a long way in keeping your household healthy.

VANGUARD

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
‎
‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
‎
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
‎
‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
‎
‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
‎
‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
‎

News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.