Tips to Avoid Food Poisoning

Even though U.S. food supplies are generally very safe, it’s still important to take precautions that will reduce the chances of food poisoning at home.

Most food poisoning is caused because food has been incorrectly handled, improperly cooked or inadequately stored, according to a report from the Mayo Clinic.

Here are things you can do to keep your food free from contamination:

• Keep your hands, utensils and food surfaces clean at all times when preparing and handling food. Use warm soapy water before and after preparing food.
• When grocery shopping, separate your raw foods from foods that are ready-to-eat.
• Tightly wrap raw meat in plastic bags so juice does not contaminate other foods.
• Cook foods thoroughly, using a thermometer to make sure it has reached a high enough temperature to destroy bacteria, or between 140 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place perishable foods in the refrigerator or freezer within two hours of purchase or preparation.
• Defrost foods in the refrigerator, microwave or cold water.
• Discard leftovers that have been at room temperature longer than two hours or in hot weather more than an hour.
• Use an ice bath to keep cold foods chilled when sitting out longer than two hours.
• Use warming trays for hot food sitting out longer than two hours.
• If you have any doubts, don’t take any chances – throw it out!

• Health Library: Food Poisoning
• Physician Chronicles: Food Poisoning