Food Poisoning - Prevention

Food poisoning is almost entirely preventable. Good sanitation and food handling techniques are the key to avoiding the disease. The instructions to keep in mind are as follows:

• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
• Cook meat to the recommended internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to be sure. Cook eggs until they are no longer runny.
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly. Do not let food stand at room temperature.
• Avoid contaminating surfaces and foods with the juices of uncooked meats.
• Wash fruits and vegetables before using.
• Purchase pasteurized dairy products and fruit juices. Pasteurized foods are heated to a temperature hot enough to kill the bacteria that cause food poisoning.
• Throw away bulging or leaking cans or any food that smells spoiled.
• Wash hands well before and during food preparation and after using the bathroom.
• Sanitize food preparation surfaces regularly.

Proper handling of food can help prevent food poisoning. This fast-food worker uses tongs to turn hamburger patties. (Reproduced by permission of

AP/Wide World Photo

)