Preventing Food Poisoning
What is Food Poisoning
Foodborne illness (sometimes called food poisoning, foodborne disease, or foodborne infection) is common, costly – and preventable. CDC estimates that 1 in 6 Americans get sick from eating contaminated food every year.
You can get food poisoning after swallowing food that has been contaminated with a variety of germs (bacteria, viruses, parasites) or toxic substances (chemical toxins or natural toxins such as those in some mushrooms and molds).
- Some foods are contaminated before they reach a kitchen.
- Others are contaminated by food handlers.
Protect Yourself From Food Poisoning
Learn the four steps (clean, separate, cook, chill) to protect your family from food poisoning.
Learn which foods are most associated with foodborne illnesses.
Food contamination can occur at any point—during production, processing, distribution, or preparation.
Raw milk and products made from it can pose severe health risks, including death.