Whether you’re grilling for a holiday or enjoying family meals, these food safety tips from the @CDCgov will help prevent food-borne illness and keep your loved ones healthy.
Food-borne illnesses can quickly turn a special gathering into an unwelcome trip to the doctor. By following simple steps, you can keep your meals safe and your family healthy.
1. Clean: Wash your hands, cutting boards, utensils, and kitchen surfaces with soap and water before and after preparing food. Don’t forget to rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running water.
2. Separate: Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meats, poultry, seafood, and eggs apart from ready-to-eat foods. Use separate cutting boards and plates for raw and cooked foods.
3. Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure foods reach the right internal temperature. For example, cook poultry to 165°F, ground meats to 160°F, and fish to 145°F. Proper cooking kills harmful bacteria that can make you sick.
4. Chill: Refrigerate leftovers and perishable foods within two hours — or within one hour if the temperature is above 90°F, such as during a summer picnic. Keep your fridge at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F or lower.
These tips are especially important for military families who might be preparing meals on the go or in unfamiliar kitchens during moves or deployments. Remember that TRICARE Prime, including US Family Health Plan, covers care for food-related illnesses, so don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you or a family member experiences severe symptoms like dehydration, high fever, or prolonged vomiting.
At USFHPNW, we care about your family’s health and safety. By practicing these food safety habits, you can enjoy meals together with confidence — wherever military life takes you.
About Four Steps to Food Safety | Food Safety | CDC
