Your freezer should be at zero degrees Fahrenheit. Keep fresh meat, poultry, and fish on a plate, or wrapped in a second plastic bag to keep their raw juices from contaminating other food. If you aren't going to eat them for a few days, put them in the freezer to stop the growth of bacteria. Always thaw food in the microwave or refrigerator. If you thaw food on the counter, bacteria will be growing on the outer layers before the center has finished thawing.
Bacteria can also live on hands, kitchen towels, sponges, cutting boards, and knives.
Throughout food preparation, keep everything clean with hot soapy water, and avoid contaminating anything with the juices of raw food. Replace your sponge every few weeks, and use a plastic rather than wooden cutting board. Fish should flake with a fork. Scramble or cook eggs until the yolk and white aren't runny. Avoid Caesar salad, homemade mayonnaise, chocolate mousse, or any other recipe that calls for raw or partially cooked eggs.