Germs and hygiene

Germs can be spread in many ways, including through the air and on surfaces. That’s why it’s important to take measures to stop the spread of germs. Some tips to stop the spread of germs are:

- Covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
- Cleaning your hands often
- always before you eat or prepare food, and after you use the bathroom or change a diaper
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Frequent handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. (If you sing Happy Birthday through twice, that takes about 20 seconds.) If you don’t have access to soap and water, alcohol-based hand sanitizers or disposable wipes work well.

Kitchen safety:

When preparing food, it is important to use proper sanitizing techniques to avoid the spread of germs. Here are some tips to help keep things safe:

- Wash your hand frequently when handling food
- Wash cutting boards and utensils thoroughly before using and when switching between foods
- Wash all fruits and vegetables under cold running tap water
- Do not cross-contaminate foods:
- use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables
- use separate utensils when handling meats and vegetables or wash them thoroughly between foods,
- wash your hands thoroughly after touching meat

Cook foods to the proper temperature:

Beef, Veal, Lamb Steaks and Roasts
145 °F

Fish
145 °F

Pork
160 °F

Beef, Veal, Lamb Ground
160 °F

Egg Dishes
160 °F

Turkey, Chicken and Duck
Whole, Pieces & Ground
165 °F

Links to helpful information on Germs:

Ounce of Prevention Keeps the Germs Away: Seven Keys to a Safer Healthier Home (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDF

Germs: Understand and Protect against Bacteria, Viruses and Infection (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

Stopping Germs at Home, Work and School (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Hand Washing: Do's and Dont's (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)