How Do You Prevent Bacterial Growth In Food?
Avoid getting sick from bacterial growth in food by practicing safe food handling techniques. Though most cases of food-borne illness are mild and only last a few days, people can get seriously sick and even die from bacteria in food. The Center for Disease Control reports that an average of 5,000 people die from food-borne illness each year. E. coli, salmonella, and listeria monocytogenes are bacteria that cause the most cases of food-borne illness. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food. Wash for at least 15 seconds. Make sure you wash all parts of the hand and scrub under nails. Wash any kitchen surfaces that will come in contact with food with soap and water, or an antibacterial spray. Wash cutting boards, counter tops and utensils also. Use a clean plate for meats and vegetables. Do not reuse a plate that held raw meat for anything else until it has been properly cleaned. Wash all kitchen sponges, dish clothes and towels after every meal prep. Clean up
