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

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

Man wearing a mask being served by a waitress wearing a mask.

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

Cleaning Your Refrigerator Because of a Food Recall

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

More Information

Page last reviewed: April 15, 2022

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)