How to Prevent Food Poisoning

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Foodborne illness (sometimes called food poisoning, foodborne disease, or foodborne infection) is common, costly—and preventable. You can get food poisoning after swallowing food that has been contaminated with a variety of germs or toxic substances.

Basic Food Safety
Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill graphic

Following four simple steps—clean, separate, cook, and chill—can help protect you from food poisoning.

Foods That Can Cause Food Poisoning
romaine lettuce

Learn which foods are associated with food poisoning: raw or undercooked meat and poultry, fruits and vegetables, raw or lightly cooked eggs, unpasteurized (raw) milk, and raw shellfish.

Special Events, Seasons, and Holidays
waitress and family in restaurant

Make food safety a part of your party, holiday, or event plans.

More Information
Page last reviewed: August 14, 2020
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED)