HOW TO KEEP FOOD SAFE

How to Keep Food Safe
happyhealthy.extension.msstate.edu/tips-videos/…

STEP 1- CLEAN
Wash hands the right way—at least 20 seconds with soap and hot running water
Wash counter tops and utensils every time you use them
Wash fresh fruits and vegetables under running water; drain in colander

STEP 2-SEPARATE
Use one cutting board for fresh fruits and vegetables; use a different cutting board for raw meat, poultry, or seafood
Use separate plates and utensils for cooked and raw foods
Wash all plates, utensils, and cutting boards that were used for raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs
Keep meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate in your shopping cart, grocery bags, and refrigerator

STEP 3-COOK
Cook food to the right temperature
Use a food thermometer; place the thermometer in the thickest part of the food to see if it’s done
Keep food hot after cooking at 140°F
Microwave food to 165°F

STEP 4-CHILL
Refrigerate food within 2 hours
Don’t overfill your refrigerator; give your food some room
Keep refrigerator set between 40°F and 32°F
Freezing keeps food safe until you can cook it
Set freezer at 0°F or below
Never thaw or marinate food on the counter top
Thaw food in refrigerator, microwave, or in cold water
Always marinate food in the refrigerator

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Mississippi State University Extension
This institution in an equal opportunity provider.
This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—SNAP.