Food poisoning (foodborne illness) usually happens when food is not prepared or stored safely. Germs (bacteria) can grow in food if it is not handled right. Germs can also grow on any surface, including cutting boards and sponges. When germs or poisons they make get inside your body, they can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and headache. In some cases, food poisoning can be fatal if it is not treated right away.
Look before you buy
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Check the sell-by date on all foods.
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Check that seals and wrappers are not broken, torn, or leaking.
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Make sure cans are not bulging or dented, jars are not cracked, and lids are closed tightly.
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Check that eggs are not cracked or broken.
Wash everything
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Wash your hands often with warm, soapy water. Always wash your hands after you touch raw meat or poultry.
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Rinse all fruits and vegetables.
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Wash knives, forks, plates, and other items that touch food.
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Wash cutting boards in hot, soapy water. Use 1 cutting board and 1 knife for meat and poultry. Use another for fruits and vegetables. Replace them often.
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Clean kitchen counters before and after putting food on them.
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Wash sponges each day. Replace them often.
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Wash dishcloths and towels in hot, soapy water. Use 1 towel for hands and another for dishes.
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Don't use the same wash rags to clean the bathroom and the kitchen.
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Do not wash raw poultry, meat, fish, or eggs. Water that splashes from the sink when washing these foods can spread bacteria.
Safe food storage tips
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Put leftovers in your refrigerator right away.
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Divide foods into small, shallow pans to cool faster.
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Throw away food that has been left out for more than 2 hours.
Keep hot foods hot
Cook meats to a safe temperature to kill E. coli and other bacteria that may be in the meat. Use a food thermometer when cooking. Follow these temperature guidelines when cooking meat:
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Cook ground meat (beef, veal, pork, lamb) and meat mixtures to at least 160°F (71°C).
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Cook fresh beef, veal, lamb, and pork (steak, roasts, chops), and fish to at least 145°F (63°C).
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Cook poultry (including ground turkey and chicken) and any leftovers and casseroles to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
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Cook egg dishes such as quiches and frittatas to at least 160°F (71°C).
Also be sure to:
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Cook eggs until the yolks and whites are firm.
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Cook chicken stuffing or turkey stuffing separately. Don’t cook it inside the bird.
Keep cold foods cold
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Cold foods should stay below 40°F (4°C).
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Put cold foods in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as you bring them home. Don’t leave them in the car while running other errands.
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Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or in the microwave. Don't defrost on the counter.
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Pack picnics and school lunches in an insulated bag with an ice pack.
Keep raw foods away from cooked foods
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Never place cooked meat and poultry on a plate with raw meat juices.
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Store raw meats and poultry on the lowest shelf or storage bin in the refrigerator. This prevents juices from dripping down onto other foods.
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Don't reuse a marinade or pour it over cooked food.
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Don't eat raw meat, seafood, shellfish, eggs, or drink unpasteurized milk or juice.