Safe food and disease prevention practices
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EmailSimple preventative practices to prevent the spread of germs.
Prevention practices are is a great way to stop bacteria. Starting in early childhood years, we learn about the importance of hand washing to prevent the spread of germs. The “do it yourself vaccine,” more commonly known as “hand washing” is still the best illness preventative practice. The five simple handwashing steps that can lower your risk of illness include: wet, lather, scrub, rinse and dry. Handwashing only takes a quick 20 seconds. Time yourself by putting your hands under warm, running water, grab the soap and sing “Happy Birthday” twice.
It’s important to keep food items separated to avoid cross-contamination. Cross-contamination is what happens when bacteria from one food item is transferred to another food item during the preparation process. A good way to prevent cross-contamination is by washing cutting boards, countertops, knives and other kitchen tools before, after and in between uses.
Reducing foodborne illness by 10 percent would percent five million Americans from getting sick each year. Stay safe from foodborne illness by taking precautions and implementing healthy prevention practices. If you have hesitation on whether or not you should eat something, remember: when in doubt, throw it out!
The Michigan State University Extension or the Center for Disease Control’s website provides more resources for safe food and disease prevention. For more related food safety articles read:
