How should foods with different cooking times be handled?

Cooking items with longer times first is essential for maintaining food safety and ensuring that all foods reach the appropriate internal temperatures. This method allows you to effectively manage cooking schedules and minimize the risk of undercooked items. By starting with those that require more time, you can ensure that they are properly cooked and safe to eat by the time the other items are ready.

This approach also helps in streamlining the cooking process, as items that cook more quickly can be added later, allowing the overall meal to finish around the same time without compromising safety. Proper timing is crucial, as undercooked food can harbor harmful bacteria, potentially leading to foodborne illness. Therefore, prioritizing foods based on their cooking times is an integral part of safe food handling practices.