Keeping your food safe is an essential part of maintaining good health. Whether you’re preparing a home-cooked meal or unpacking groceries, following basic food safety guidelines can help prevent foodborne illness and ensure your meals are safe and nutritious. These Food Safety tips, are simple to implement and make a big difference.

1. Refrigerate or Freeze Perishables Promptly

As soon as you get home, store meat, poultry, eggs, and fresh-cut produce in the fridge or freezer. Don’t let raw meats or cut fruits and vegetables sit at room temperature for over two hours. Defrost foods in the refrigerator, cold water, or the microwave—not on the counter.

2. Keep Foods Separate

Prevent cross-contamination by separating fresh fruits and vegetables from raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs in your fridge and during food prep. Always use clean utensils and cutting boards, and never reuse them without washing thoroughly in hot, soapy water.

3. Rinse Produce Before Eating

Rinse fruits and vegetables just before you eat them—even if you’re not eating the peel. Use your hands or a clean brush to scrub firm produce under running tap water. Avoid using soap or bleach on food.

4. Wash Hands and Surfaces Often

Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. Clean all kitchen surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils to prevent contamination.

Make Food Safety a Daily Habit

These small actions can have a big impact on your health and your family’s well-being. When in doubt, remember: clean, separate, rinse, and refrigerate. By adopting these food safety habits, you’re helping reduce your risk of foodborne illness while enjoying safe, delicious meals.