What can I do at home to prevent foodborne illness for my family?
The single most important thing you can all do is to wash your hands! Although this seems like a simple answer, most foodborne illnesses and common colds are passed by unwashed hands. Use warm water, about a teaspoon of soap, and lots of friction. Scrub all surfaces of your hands for 20 seconds, outside the stream of water. Then rinse thoroughly, and dry on a disposable towel. Cloth towels can harbor residual microbes and pass them on to the next person! Wash your hands after activities like taking out trash, housecleaning, handling raw meat, playing with pets, changing a diaper, and especially after using the restroom. Always wash your hands before cooking or eating. Help your children to learn good hand washing practices. Secondly, cooking food to the right temperature will help to eliminate foodborne illness. Chicken/poultry and stuffed meats or stuffing containing meat should be cooked to 165°F for 15 seconds. This group includes game animals. Ground meat (beef, pork, lamb) and fis
