Whether it’s cooking in the home or in the middle of a parking lot during a fall tailgate party, one tried-and true food safety step can keep you safe. Washing your hands! This is your number one defense against foodborne illness because your hands can hold a lot of germs and dirt, including under your fingernails.
Hands pick up bacteria during daily routines, including gardening, taking out the trash, driving, playing with pets and many other activities. When preparing food, wash your hands more than once, such as after you’ve handled raw eggs or meat or anything like that because that will help to prevent cross-contamination of food products. It only takes 20 seconds with soap and warm water. A helpful tip for kiddos is to have them sing the alphabet song to get through that 20 seconds and have fun doing it. Be sure to scrub your hands. The bubbles are what is picking up the dirt and taking it away.
