The recent food-borne illnesses have brought attention to cooking food to safe temperatures and storing food safely in order to avoid bacterial contamination. Listeria, an outbreak traced to contaminated cantaloupes, has sickened 72 people and claimed lives in 18 states. Other recent outbreaks include salmonella and E.coli, traced to contaminated meats that have sickened consumers. However, a good way to help prevent bacteria from spreading is to wash your hands the proper way, especially if you are handling food.

After touching meat such as beef and poultry, wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.
Cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue or your upper arm when cooking.
Avoid touching surfaces after you have touched raw poultry.

Eliminate germs by using disinfectants, such as sprays and wipes, to clean surfaces.
To wash your hands before and after touching or preparing food:

• Use soap and warm water
• Wash both sides of your hands
• Wash under your nails
• Wash between your fingers
• Don’t forget your wrist
• Keep washing for at least 15 seconds
• Dry hands on paper towel
• Use paper towl to turn off faucet
• Use towel to open the door when you leave
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after you have finished cooking

An Orlando injury attorney can provide guidance if you have suffered due to a listeriosis or other food poisoning outbreak.