Four Steps (Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill) to Food Safety

"Following four simple stepsexternal icon at home — Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill — can help protect you and your loved ones from food poisoning.

Clean: Wash your hands and surfaces often.external icon

• Germs that cause food poisoning can survive in many places and spread around your kitchen.
• Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before, during, and after preparing food and before eating.
• Wash your utensils, cutting boards, and countertops with hot, soapy water.
• Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water.

Separate: Don't cross-contaminate.external icon

• Raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs can spread germs to ready-to-eat foods—unless you keep them separate.
  • Use separate cutting boards and plates for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
  • When grocery shopping, keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and their juices away from other foods.
  • Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods in the fridge..."Keep food safe