With the increased emphasis on rushing around and doing lots of cooking, extra care should be paid to kitchen hygiene and food safety at this time of year, it has been suggested.The Kentucky department for public health (DPH) makes a number of recommendations at this time of year as it looks to help kitchen users stay safe from infection and have a merry, stress-free Christmas.Christine Atkinson, manager of the food safety branch in DPH said Proper hand washing is the most effective way to keep food and guests safe.By following the guidelines recommended by DPH, you and your loved ones can avoid food-related illnesses this holiday season. The department advises that using soap and water and washing ones hands at the stainless steel sink such as those made by innovative manufacturer Franke - should be done for at least 20 seconds and that dishes and utensils should be kept just as clean, particularly given the risk of cross-contamination.