Clean:
* Wash your hands frequently: Wash them thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food, especially raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
* Clean surfaces: Wipe down countertops, cutting boards, and utensils with hot soapy water, especially after contact with raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
* Wash fruits and vegetables: Even if you plan to peel them, give your produce a good rinse under cold running water.
* Keep your kitchen clean: Clean spills immediately and avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry, and seafood, as well as for produce.
Separate:
* Don't cross-contaminate: Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from other foods, especially ready-to-eat items. Use different cutting boards and utensils for each.
* Store raw meat safely: Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood in the coldest part of your refrigerator, below ready-to-eat foods.
Cook:
* Cook food to the right temperature: Use a food thermometer to ensure food is cooked to a safe internal temperature:
* Poultry: 165°F (74°C)
* Beef, pork, and lamb: 145°F (63°C)
* Ground meat: 160°F (71°C)
* Fish: 145°F (63°C)
* Reheat leftovers thoroughly: Cook leftovers until they are steaming hot throughout.
* Don't leave food out at room temperature for too long: Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours (one hour in temperatures above 90°F).
Chill:
* Refrigerate promptly: Refrigerate perishable foods as soon as possible after purchasing them.
* Keep the fridge cold: Set your refrigerator temperature to 40°F (4°C) or below.
* Don't overcrowd the refrigerator: This can hinder airflow and prevent food from chilling properly.
Additional Tips:
* Don't eat expired food: Pay attention to expiration dates and discard food that has gone bad.
* Be cautious with raw eggs: Use pasteurized eggs whenever possible.
* Avoid raw sprouts: Raw sprouts are a common source of foodborne illness.
* Use bottled water when traveling: Be cautious about the source of water when traveling.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick from foodborne illnesses and enjoy your food with confidence.