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    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.

    Learn the most effective ways to help prevent food poisoning.

    Four Steps to Food Safety
    Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill graphic

    Following four simple steps at home—Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill—can help protect you and your loved ones from food poisoning.

    Fast Facts About Food Poisoning
    woman suffers from severe ache abdominal pain

    Learn the basic facts about food poisoning, who is most at risk, and how to prevent it.

    10 Dangerous Food Safety Mistakes
    Happy african american family preparing healthy food together in kitchen

    You can protect your family by avoiding these common food safety mistakes.

    Food Delivery Safety
    Food items taken out of a delivery box

    Home-delivered groceries and subscription meal kits can be convenient, but they must be handled properly to prevent food poisoning.

    Food Safety and Eating Out
    Family eating out at a restaurant.

    Going out to eat? Here are tips to protect yourself from food poisoning while eating out.

    Cleaning Your Refrigerator Because of a Food Recall
    Standing next to refrigerator

    If you have a recalled food item in your refrigerator, it’s important to throw out the food and clean your refrigerator.

    More Information
    • People at Higher Risk for Food Poisoning
    • Recent Food Recalls
    • Handwashing
    • Multistate Foodborne Outbreak Investigations
    • How Food Gets Contaminated
    Last Reviewed: January 24, 2023
    Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED)
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