To prevent salmonella infection, follow these key practices:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, handling raw meat or poultry, touching animals, and before handling or eating any food.
- Keep food preparation areas clean by washing hands, cutting boards, countertops, and utensils after contact with raw meat, and washing raw fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid unpasteurized foods such as raw milk or products made from it.
- Cook food thoroughly : cook meat, poultry, and eggs until they are no longer pink inside; avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs.
- Store food properly at safe temperatures: refrigerators below 40°F (4°C) and freezers at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
- Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw meat separate from other foods and using separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce.
- Be cautious around animals by washing hands after contact, avoiding contact with animals that have diarrhea, and not eating in areas where animals are present.
- Be careful when swimming to avoid swallowing water that can contain harmful bacteria.
These steps are essential for food safety and preventing the spread of salmonella, especially for vulnerable groups like children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
