Eat Better | Food Safety | Preparing

Avoid cross-contamination with these safe food preparation tips:

• Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and their juices away from ready-to-eat foods like fruits and vegetables. Use separate cutting boards too.
• Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry or seafood.
• Use a food thermometer to ensure your food is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
  • Cook roasts and steaks to at least 145°F.
  • Cook poultry to at least 165°F.
  • Cook ground meats to at least 160°F.
• Cook eggs until the yolk and whites are firm. Avoid using recipes in which eggs remain raw or are partly cooked.
• Cooked fish should flake easily with a fork.
• Bring sauces, soups and gravies to a boil when you reheat them. Leftovers should reach 165°F when reheated.
• Follow microwave instructions for foods to ensure adequate cooking.
  • Cover the food and stir it for even cooking.
  • Rotate the dish once or twice while cooking.
  • Make sure the food has no cold spots—they let disease-causing pathogens live.

Click the links below to find other important food safety tips to protect you and your family.

SELECTING

WASHING

STORING