How to Keep Food Safe

How to Keep Food Safe

Step 1- CLEAN

• Wash hands the right way—at least 20 seconds with soap and hot running water
• Wash counter tops and utensils every time you use them
• Wash fresh fruits and vegetables under running water; drain in colander

Step 2-SEPARATE

• Use one cutting board for fresh fruits and vegetables; use a different cutting board for raw meat, poultry, or seafood
• Use separate plates and utensils for cooked and raw foods
• Wash all plates, utensils, and cutting boards that were used for raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs
• Keep meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate in your shopping cart, grocery bags, and refrigerator

Step 3-COOK

• Cook food to the right temperature
• Use a food thermometer; place the thermometer in the thickest part of the food to see if it’s done
• Keep food hot after cooking at 140°F
• Microwave food to 165°F

Step 4-CHILL

• Refrigerate food within 2 hours
• Don’t overfill your refrigerator; give your food some room
• Keep refrigerator set between 40°F and 32°F
• Freezing keeps food safe until you can cook it
• Set freezer at 0°F or below
• Never thaw or marinate food on the counter top
• Thaw food in refrigerator, microwave, or in cold water
• Always marinate food in the refrigerator