Foodborne illness can happen in any kitchen, but simple habits can make a big difference. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helps families learn practical food safety skills to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria by following four key steps: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.
Clean food and hands often. Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before preparing meals is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of germs. Did you know that the leading cause of food becoming contaminated is due to improper handwashing? Countertops, cutting boards, and utensils should be cleaned after each use, and fruits and vegetables should be rinsed under running water before eating or cooking.
Separate foods to avoid cross-contamination. Raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs can spread bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli to ready-to-eat foods. One drop of raw meat juice can contain thousands of bacteria, making it important to use separate cutting boards and keep raw meats covered and stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.
Cook foods to safe internal temperatures. Many people rely on color to judge whether food is done, but harmful bacteria can survive even when food looks fully cooked. Using a food thermometer is the only reliable way to know food has reached a safe temperature, especially for poultry, ground meats, and leftovers. Not all meats need to be cooked to the same temperature, so be sure to note the proper temperature for various meats.
Chill foods promptly to slow bacterial growth. Bacteria grow fastest between 40°F and 140°F, a range known as the “danger zone.” Perishable foods should be refrigerated within two hours. Keep the refrigerator at 39°F or below for safety. Thawing food on the countertop is unsafe because food defrosts unevenly. While the inside may still be frozen, the outer layers can warm into the danger zone, allowing bacteria to grow. Because of this, it is recommended to thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator.
Bacteria are sneaky, but they’re no match for good food safety habits. By following Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill, families can send germs packing and keep mealtime safe and enjoyable.
