chinese new year

Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated by billions of people around the world. While there are regional and cultural variations in the new year traditions, food plays a central role in these festivities, with many dishes enjoyed for their symbolic significance, such as prosperity, longevity, and happiness. However, amid the grand celebrations, food safety is a critical aspect that is often overlooked. Hotpot Safety Tips Hotpot, also known as steamboat, is a popular dish enjoyed during the  Lunar New Year celebrations. It brings people together around a bubbling  pot of broth, where various ingredients like meats, seafood, vegetables  and noodles are cooked right at the table. With everyone contributing to  the cooking process, sharing this meal represents the togetherness and  completeness of a family reunion. The round shape of the pot also  symbolises unity and is associated with the concept of wholeness. While culturally significant, the communal dining experience and handling  of raw ingredients can pose various food safety risks. To keep everyone  safe and healthy, consider these food handling tips when preparing  hotpot: Yusheng Preparation Tips Yusheng is another traditional dish for celebrating the new year,  particularly in Chinese communities across Southeast Asia, including  Malaysia and Singapore. This vibrant and symbolic dish consists of raw  fish, typically salmon, along with a variety of colourful ingredients such as  shredded carrot, radish, pickled ginger, pomelo, and cucumber. It is  topped with peanuts, sesame seeds, crispy crackers and a flavourful plum  sauce. Families gather around the table, each with a pair of chopsticks to  toss the ingredients while exchanging blessings for the new year. Food Safety Tips for Yusheng The fish in this dish holds significance in Chinese culture. The word “yu”  means “fish” and is a homophone for “abundance”, symbolising growing  prosperity for the year ahead. However, the consumption of raw seafood  raises food safety concerns, as it can carry harmful bacteria and parasites  if not properly prepared. Consider the following food safety tips for  preparing and enjoying Yusheng: The preparation of festive dishes during the Lunar New Year is a  cherished activity in many households, often involving family members  and relatives coming together to cook. It’s not just about the food; it’s  about bonding, creating memories and sharing recipes that have been  passed down through generations. To ensure cleanliness and prevent cross contamination, it is crucial to  follow proper hygiene practices in the kitchen. Here are some tips to  maintain a safe cooking environment: The Lunar New Year is a time for large-scale gatherings and celebrations,  often featuring grand meals. Proper preparation and storage of food are  essential to maintain the safety and quality of traditional dishes throughout  the festivities. Remember the following food handling tips:  Food Preparation: Storing Leftovers: Reheating: With Lunar New Year just around the corner, it’s important to keep food  safety in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for everyone.  During this festive time, families come together to cook and share a  variety of traditional dishes. By following proper food preparation, storage  and hygiene practices, we can greatly reduce the risk of contamination  and avoid many foodborne illnesses.