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Food safety is a must for every household, and it’s even more vital as recent data reveals that 1 in 6 Americans gets sick or suffers from foodborne diseases annually. Common food-related illnesses include dehydration, fever, fatigue, and other long-term challenges such as kidney damage and even neurological disorders. Considering the many health issues associated with food contamination, it’s crucial to prioritize food safety at home and keep your family healthy. Below are four simple ways to do so.

1. Wash your hands and surfaces often 

A germ-free home and kitchen are key to avoiding an unwanted case of food-related illnesses. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before, during, and after cooking. This step is particularly essential after handling raw meat, poultry, or seafood. Don't forget to rinse your fruits and veggies under running water, too. Always clean your utensils, chopping boards, and countertops with hot, soapy water after prepping each ingredient. Keep in mind that a clean kitchen is a happy and healthy one.

2. Separate to avoid cross-contamination 

Avoiding cross-contamination is useful for keeping your food from bacteria and germs. When you put all your foods together in the freezer, for example, it is easy for germs from raw materials to transfer to other foods. So, in your storeroom and your fridge, keep raw meat, poultry, and eggs totally separate from other groceries and prepped foods. You may also use different cutting boards and plates for raw stuff and everything else.

3. Keep your kitchen pest-free 

The presence of food and water in your kitchen makes this space appealing to rodents like mice and rats. These unwelcome visitors may nibble on your groceries and leftovers in the kitchen, potentially contaminating them. However, you can keep them at bay by wiping down your surfaces, sealing up any cracks or holes, and storing food in airtight containers to keep them out of reach. Also, don't forget to inspect your pantry and fridge for any signs of uninvited guests, like droppings and crumbs. If you notice any unusual activity in such areas, contact pest control professionals like Terminix to help you address any infestation quickly and keep your kitchen and food safe. 

4. Refrigerate promptly and properly 

The majority of bacteria and germs that contaminate foods thrive at room temperature, so keeping your fridge neat and cold, around 40 degrees, is key to food safety. Also, it’s best to avoid leaving your leftovers sitting for more than two hours. When you do store them, break them up into shallow containers so they cool faster. It’s also better to use the fridge, cold water, or the microwave to defrost your frozen foods safely instead of leaving them to thaw completely on the counter. Never take chances with that “Danger zone” between 40 degrees and 140 degrees since bacteria love to thrive in such temperatures.

Keeping your food safe is essential to ensuring you and your family can enjoy your favorite meals without worrying about your health. With the above tips, you can successfully do that and enjoy the most out of your kitchen.