Food Safety
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
Safe steps in food handling, cooking, and storage can prevent foodborne illness. There are four basic steps to food safety at home:
- Clean - always wash your fruits and vegetables, hands, counters, and cooking utensils.
- Separate - keep raw foods to themselves. Germs can spread from one food to another.
- Cook - foods need to get hot and stay hot. Heat kills germs.
- Chill - put fresh food in the refrigerator right away.
In the grocery store, avoid cans that are bulging or jars that have cracks or loose lids. Check packages to be sure food hasn't reached its expiration date.
United States Department of Agriculture
Questions for your care team
General prompts to help prepare for your appointment.
- How does this information apply to my situation?
- Which symptoms or results need evaluation?
- Which tests are useful, and what can they tell us?
- What care options, benefits, and risks should we discuss?
- When should I seek urgent help, and whom should I call?
- When is follow-up, and how will we know whether the plan is working?
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.
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