14 Part I: Eating Right with Every Bite
Practicing Food Safety in the Kitchen
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and raw meats are always better than processed, but
“safety first” is the rule.
It’s upsetting to think about, but the foods you eat to stay healthy can make
you sick. Fortunately, you can do many things to protect yourself and your
family from foodborne illness. At the grocery store, avoid cans that are
bulging and jars that have cracks or loose lids. At home, follow these tips
from the Food and Drug Administration:
✓ Be sure that your refrigerator and freezer are the right temperature for
storing food.
✓ Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods right away.
✓ Throw away anything that looks or smells suspicious. If you think a food
might be bad, don’t taste it!
✓ Wash your hands well before preparing food.
✓ Keep your work area, wash rags, and utensils clean.
✓ Cook meats thoroughly.
Check out Chapter 6 for more tips and tricks to ensure all your meals are safe
to eat.
