Food Safety Starts with a Clean Kitchen!

• Wash your cutting boards and preparation utensils with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item. Then dry them thoroughly. 

• Use disposable paper towels to clean up counter tops and other kitchen surfaces. Sponges or towels can provide a warm, moist environment where harmful bacteria can live and grow. 

• Wash your dishes and silverware in a dishwasher or with hot, soapy water and allow them to air dry. If you use cloth towels to dry dishes, launder them often on the hot cycle.

• Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water, including those with skins and rinds that are not eaten. Scrub firm produce like melons and cantaloupes with a clean produce brush.

• Do not wash chicken or other poultry as doing so may spread Salmonella and other bacteria to kitchen surfaces. Cooking will destroy these bacteria, so washing is not necessary.

• With canned goods, remember to wipe the lids clean before opening them. 

• Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. You should also wash them after using the bathroom, changing diapers, taking out the trash, performing cleaning tasks, or handling pets.