5 Ways to Protect Your Family from Food Poisoning

Germs such as salmonella, E. coli, staphylococci, and listeria are responsible for tens of thousands of cases of food poisoning each year. Most of these cases can be prevented if you follow a few basic, commonsense rules for handling, cooking and storing food.

Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea. In more severe cases, your kidney could shut down, resulting in a fatal outcome.

You can protect yourself and your family from food poisoning by following a few basic food safety rules. Here are some food safety rules from IFIC - the International Food Information Council:

1. Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood, (as well as raw eggs) away from foods that are cooked or that will be eaten raw.
2. Wash hands, cutting boards and other surfaces thoroughly and often.
3. Cook food thoroughly (to recommended temperature).
4. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
5. Store leftovers promptly and reheat food thoroughly.

References
Back to Basics. The Importance of Food Safety

About the Author

Dr. Dorene E. Carter is a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant with over 25 years of experience in teaching, counseling, training, project development and writing. Dr. Carter earned her PhD in nutrition from the University of California, Berkeley and is currently President & CEO of CHANA Project, the Child Health and Nutrition Access Project.