5 Simple Tricks to Avoid Foodborne Illness

Always make sure to wash anything that will come in contact with your food.

• Hands: wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Countertops, cutting boards, knives, etc.: wash anything that will be touching your food with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds
• Produce: Don’t forget to wash your food! Make sure to wash produce (ex: fruits and vegetables) with cool water (no soap) and dry them off with a clean towel. Do not wash meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs.

Make sure to wash your hands often, especially during these times:

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• After handling raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs
• Before eating
• After using the toilet or cleaning a child who has used the toilet
• After touching an animal or animal food
• After touching garbage
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

Make sure to properly refrigerate or freeze your foods by following these tips:

• Refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours. Make sure your refrigerator is set to 40F or below.
• When freezing your food, make sure your freezer is set to 0F or below.
• When defrosting your food, place frozen items in the bottom shelf of your refrigerator overnight. Plan ahead, as it may take longer than overnight for your food to fully defrost. Do not defrost your food on the counter.

Make sure to separate your meats, poultry, seafood, or eggs from fruits and vegetables.

• Use multiple cutting boards and plates when preparing food. Use one designated cutting board or plate for your produce, and a separate designated cutting board for your meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs.
• When shopping, place your produce in one bag and place meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs in a different bag.
• In your refrigerator, store your produce on a separate shelf from your meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs.