(HealthDay News) — When bacteria or other germs set up shop in your food, they can make you quite sick.
The U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse offers these food-safety suggestions:
- Refrigerate leftovers right away.
- Make sure all foods are cooked thoroughly and to a sufficient temperature.
- Don’t expose raw meat to other foods.
- Thoroughly wash hands after touching raw food, and always before preparing food.
- Wash all kitchen utensils in hot water and soap.
- Wash sponges, rags and dish towels frequently using the washer’s hot cycle.
- Wash all fresh produce before eating or preparing.
- Refrigerate foods while marinating or defrosting, instead of leaving them on the counter.
- Remove any leftover poultry stuffing and refrigerate.
- Don’t pack the fridge with too many groceries, which inhibit air circulation.