Clean & Separate
Keeping Food Safe At Home
Bacteria can be spread throughout the kitchen and get onto hands, cutting boards, utensils, counter tops and food. Cross-contamination is how bacteria can be spread. Always start with a clean scene -- wash hands with warm water and soap. Wash cutting boards, dishes, countertops and utensils with hot soapy water.
- Hand Hygiene
Proper hand hygiene may eliminate nearly half of all cases of foodborne illness and significantly reduce the spread of the common cold and flu.
Soap and Water | Hand Sanitizer | Choosing and Using Soap | Why and When | Teaching Hand Hygiene | For Schools and Child Care | For Food Handlers | For Health Care Professionals| Statistics | Posters and Print Materials
- Prevent Cross Contamination
Cross-contamination is the physical movement or transfer of harmful bacteria from one person, object or place to another.
When shopping | When refrigerating food | When preparing food | When serving food | More about cross contimination
- Don't Prepare Food If You are Ill
Don't be a source of foodborne illness. Pathogens can be introduced into food from infected humans who handle the food without thoroughly washing their hands after going to the bathroom.
Spotlight
Reporting Suspected Foodborne Illness
Please call the Minnesota Department of Health if you suspect you have a foodborne or waterborne illness. MDH will relay the necessary information to the appropriate local health authorities.
Turkey: Safe Thawing and Cooking
Food safety tips for handling, thawing, roasting, storing, and reheating turkey.
Norovirus Infection
Noroviruses are members of a group of viruses called caliciviruses also known previously as “Norwalk-like viruses.” Learn more about Norovirus, how to minimize your risk of acquiring norovirus infection, required reporting information, clinical features, laboratory diagnosis, treatment and more.
If you have questions or comments about this page, please use our Foodsafety Comment Form.