It’s important that proper food safety practices are followed throughout the food supply chain, from food manufacturers to government, farmers, retailers, government and consumers. Here are five tips that can help you keep your food safe:
• Purchasing: Make sure meat, poultry and seafood products -- whether raw, pre-packaged, or from the deli -- are refrigerated when purchased.
• Cooking: Always cook to “Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures” and use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your food.
• Holding: Hold hot foods above 140 °F and cold foods below 40 °F.
• Separating: Use one cutting board for fresh produce — and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
• Cleaning: Always wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before beginning food preparation; after handling food, and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or touching pets.
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