How to Avoid Food Poisoning

ladybugblue | Sep 8, 2009 | Views: 177 |

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There are millions of cases of food poisoning in the United States per year. Some are fatal and some are not. Bacteria are already in the foods that we buy and can be transferred from the food into our bodies if you don't use caution. There are ways to avoid this health risk for you and your family. Many people don't realize the simple things that help lower the risk of food poisoning.

Things You Will Need

knowledge of preventative measures

Step 1

When handling food, make sure you wash your hands. If you are handling raw meat, wash your hands immediately when you are finished.

Wash kitchen wash cloths and sponges frequently. Put sponges in the top rack of the dishwasher to sanitize them.

Step 2

Keep raw meat as contained as possible. If you use a cutting board, wash it with anti-bacterial soap when finished using it and place it in the dishwasher to be sanitized. Wash all surrounding counters down with an anti-bacterial soap or spray.

Keep raw meat, like bacon, wrapped up while in refrigerator. Do not put other food items in the same container with any raw meats.

Make sure you cook all meat thoroughly. Check frozen meat as sometimes it's breaded but not fully cooked inside.

Step 3

Make sure you wash all vegetables and fruits before eating or cooking. Even if you don't eat the skin of the fruit or vegetable, wash it before cutting. If you cut it without washing it, you may spread bacteria into the part that you intend to eat.

Step 4

Incorporating garlic and White Tea in your diet may help prevent food poisoning as they have natural anti-bacterial properties. You can get garlic in capsule form at health food stores. White tea is not hard to find but make sure you buy 100% white tea and not a mix of teas.

Step 5

Don't buy canned food that is dented. They may contain botulism. Botulism is caused by improper canning techniques and a dented may mean that it has bacteria growth inside. Sometimes this is not the case, but is not worth the chance. If you plan on doing your own canning, make sure you use proper techniques.

Step 6

If you want to avoid food poisoning, don't eat raw foods like eggs, shell fish and oysters. These are foods that you may take your chances if eaten raw.

Step 7

While eating out, you don't have control over how your food is cooked like at home. Make sure you order burgers at a medium well cooking status. If it's pink inside, send it back to the kitchen. Eating out can be an easy way to get food poisoning if you're not careful.

Tags: food poisoning food contamination foodborne illnesses;

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