According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), forgetting about food safety is a recipe for disaster. Did you know that one in six Americans could get sick from food poisoning this year alone? Food poisoning sends more than 100,000 Americans to the hospital each year. Use these four simple steps to keep you safe from food poisoning.

1. Clean surfaces and utensils after each use in your kitchen. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Don't wash your protein (eggs, poultry, and meat), only wash fruits and vegetables. Cooking (baking, broiling, boiling, and grilling) to the right temperature kills the bacteria, so washing food is not necessary.
2. Separate raw meat from produce in the grocery cart and in grocery bags, never put meat and produce together. Keep them separated in the refrigerator and when using cutting boards. Use separate cutting boards and plates for raw meat and produce.
3. Cook to the proper temperature. Use a thermometer to verify food has reached a safe-to-eat temperature. Hold heated food at 140 degrees or above, use a heat source like a chafing dish, warming tray, or slow cooker. Microwave leftovers to 165 degrees or above. Recent research has shown that only a food thermometer can be relied upon to accurately ensure bacterial destruction.
4. Chill perishable foods within two hours. If the temperature is 90 ˚F or higher during the summer, cut that time down to one hour. Never thaw or marinate on the counter. Do not overstuff your refrigerator or freezer, allow the air to circulate for proper chill.

Don't spread bacteria at your next event! Visit foodsafety.gov to stay safe from food poisoning. Check your Steps!