10 Essential Food Safety Tips Every Home Cook Must Know (Prevent Contamination & Keep Your Kitchen Safe)

1) Safe Food Storage (Keep Ingredients Fresh & Clean)

Proper food storage is one of the most important steps for preventing foodborne illness. Keeping raw meat, dairy, fruits, and leftovers stored correctly reduces bacteria growth and makes your food last longer.

• Store raw meat on the bottom shelf to avoid drips.
• Keep fruits & vegetables in sealed containers.
• Never leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Always refrigerate leftovers immediately.

2) Avoid Cross-Contamination (Separate Raw & Cooked Foods)

Cross-contamination happens when bacteria from raw food touches clean, ready-to-eat food. It’s one of the leading causes of food poisoning — but completely preventable.

• Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables.
• Wash knives immediately after cutting raw chicken.
• Never place cooked food on a plate that held raw meat.
• Clean counters with hot soapy water after prepping meat.

3) Cook Foods to Safe Temperatures (Use a Thermometer)

Cooking food thoroughly kills harmful bacteria. A food thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure your meals reach safe internal temperatures.

• Chicken: 165°F (74°C)
• Ground meat: 160°F (71°C)
• Seafood: 145°F (63°C)
• Leftovers: 165°F (74°C)