Food safety is extremely important as our eating events turn towards outside preparation
during the warm summer months. Food poisoning, also known as food borne
illness, is more common than you may think. As warmer weather approaches, it’s
important to protect your food from bacteria and contaminants that could lead
to food poisoning.

8 Tips to Prevent Food Poisoning

1. Shop smart!

There’s a reason food items have expiration dates. Check the expiration dates
on milk, meat, and even produce items like pre-washed greens to make sure you
aren’t buying spoiled food or items that are going to expire soon. Keep cold
foods cold. Wait until the end of your shopping trip to pick up milk, dairy,
and meats, as the longer these items are refrigerated, the longer they will
stay fresh.

2. Wash, wash, wash!

Make sure you wash your hands, utensils, and chopping boards before preparing
food. All fruits and vegetables should be properly washed before eating or
cooking. Even foods like potatoes and carrots that you plan to peel should be
washed thoroughly before you cook them.

3. Avoid eating raw foods.

Eggs and raw seafood (think sushi) have been linked to many cases of food
poisoning outbreaks. It’s better to avoid raw foods and unpasteurized milks and
cheeses, especially if you’re pregnant.

4. Don’t cross-contaminate.

Use separate cutting boards and utensils when preparing raw meat and fresh
produce. This will prevent bacteria from uncooked meat and seafood from
contaminating ready-to-eat foods.

5. Cook thoroughly.

Make sure protein foods (chicken, meat, seafood) are cooked thoroughly. Use a
thermometer to check when these foods are cooked to the correct temperature,
i.e., 160 °F for beef, 145°F for pork, and 165 °F for chicken and turkey.

6. Do not thaw foods at room temperature.

Food thawed at room temperature may start to spoil. Instead, thaw foods in the
refrigerator and use them promptly. Do not refreeze foods once they have been
completely thawed.

7. If in doubt, throw it out!

If you aren’t sure if something is still safe to eat because it’s discolored or
appears “old,” it’s better to throw it out than to get sick later
from food poisoning.

8. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.

To prevent the possibility of infection, thoroughly re-heat all leftovers
before you eat them. If your leftovers have been in the fridge longer than you
can remember…throw it out.

The Bottom Line

Eating safe food is an investment in your health and well-being. Take these steps to ensure
that your food is safe for you and your family.