How can you prevent foodbourne illness?

Foodborne illness is a preventable public health problem. Here are some tips to help prevent foodborne illness:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. This is the most important step you can take to prevent the spread of bacteria. Wash your hands before handling food, after using the bathroom, after touching garbage, or after playing with animals.

2. Keep your kitchen clean. Clean and disinfect all surfaces that come into contact with food, such as countertops, cutting boards, and utensils.

3. Cook food to the correct temperature. Use a food thermometer to ensure that food is cooked to the proper internal temperature. This will vary depending on the type of food, but as a general rule, poultry, pork, and ground beef should be cooked to 160°F, and all other beef and fish should be cooked to 145°F.

4. Avoid cross-contamination. Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from other foods. Use different utensils and cutting boards for raw and cooked foods, and avoid touching raw meat with your bare hands.

5. Refrigerate food promptly. Perishable foods should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking or thawing.

6. Thaw frozen food safely. The safest way to thaw frozen food is in the refrigerator. You can also thaw frozen food in the microwave on the "defrost" setting, or by placing it in a sink of cold water.

7. Avoid eating raw or undercooked food. Some foods, such as seafood, poultry, and meat, should never be eaten raw or undercooked. Others, such as eggs, should only be eaten cooked to a runny consistency.

8. Be aware of potential food allergies. Food allergies can be life-threatening, so it's important to know if you or your family members have any food allergies. Read food labels carefully and avoid anything that contains allergens.

9. If you're sick, don't handle food. If you're suffering from a gastrointestinal illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea, stay home and don't handle food until you're feeling better.

By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of foodborne illness.