Your guide to food safety, plus food poisoning prevention tips for you and your family.
To keep everyone safe from food-borne illnesses, follow these guidelines when you cook to make sure you're taking the necessary precautions to keep you and your family safe.
Cleaning
Wash your hands in hot, soapy water for 20 seconds before preparing food and each time after you touch raw animal foods to avoid spreading bacteria.
Wash cutting boards, cooking surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water prior to preparing and serving food.
Clean surfaces with paper towels or cloth towels that are machine-washed twice a week. Never clean with sponges which can harbor bacteria.
Rinse produce under running water. Use a vegetable brush on carrots and potatoes.
Thoroughly clean and dry plates that held raw meat if you're reusing them to serve cooked food.