<p>Safe steps in food handling, cooking, and storage can prevent <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/foodborneillness.html">foodborne illness</a>. There are four basic steps to food safety at home:</p> <ul> <li>Clean - always wash your fruits and vegetables, hands, counters, and cooking utensils.</li> <li>Separate - keep raw foods to themselves. Germs can spread from one food to another.</li> <li>Cook - foods need to get hot and stay hot. Heat kills germs.</li> <li>Chill - put fresh food in the refrigerator right away.</li> </ul> <p>In the grocery store, avoid cans that are bulging or jars that have cracks or loose lids. Check packages to be sure food hasn't reached its expiration date.</p> <p class="">United States Department of Agriculture</p>