1. RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: KEEPING FOOD SAFE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

2. SHERYL AUSTIN, R.D. EXTENSION AGENT-FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES SLAUSTIN@AG.TAMU.EDU PVCEP.PVAMU.EDU HTTP://AGRILIFE.ORG/BELLCOUNTYFCS/ SLAUSTIN@AG.TAMU.EDU

3. ONE IN SIX AMERICANS WILL GET SICK FROM FOOD POISONING THIS YEAR. (WWW.FOOD SAFETY.GOV)

4. PROTECT YOUR FAMILY BY FOLLOWING THESE 4 STEPS. 1. Clean 2. Separate 3. Cook 4. Chill

5. CLEAN Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and running water. Wash cutting boards, knives, utensils and countertops after each use. Even if you peel fruits and vegetables, wash them first.

6. CLEAN Make your own sanitizing solution. 1 tsp bleach (unscented) 4 cups water (1 quart)

7. SEPARATE Cross- contamination is the spread of bacteria from one place or food to another. Use separate cutting boards for raw produce and meat, poultry, and fish.

8. SEPARATE Keep raw meat, eggs, fresh produce, and other foods from one another when purchasing, storing, and preparing them. Don’t rinse meat or poultry before cooking– doing so can spread germs to other parts of the kitchen.

9. COOK Cook food to a safe internal temperature. Use a food thermometer. When foods fall into the danger zone (40 to 140 °F), germs grow fast. Foods should not be in the danger zone for more than 2 hours.

10. CHILL Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods, prepared foods, and leftovers within 2 hours. Divide leftovers into small, shallow containers for quick cooling. Don’t pack the refrigerator. Cool air must circulate to keep food safe.

11. CHILL Thaw foods in the refrigerator (best), microwave (then cook immediately), or in cold water (change every 30 minutes). Keep refrigerators at 40°F or below. Keep freezers at 0°F or below.

12. EVERYONE IS AT RISK FOR A FOODBORNE ILLNESS. Prevent foodborne illness by selecting, preparing, and storing food safely. Utilize the principles of Clean, Cook, Separate, and Chill to keep food safe. Sources: www.foodsafety.gov; Texas AgriLife Extension Servicewww.foodsafety.gov The Cooperative Extension Program serves people of all ages regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, political beliefs, marital or family status. (Not all classes are protected by legal statute.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (braille, large print, audiotape,etc.) should contact Sheryl Austin, Extension Agent at 254/ 933-5305.

13. References: www.slideshare.net