Ice can keep food on the refrigerator shelves cooler. Ready Keep everything clean. Always thaw food in the refrigerator. Always wash your hands in warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing food, and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or touching pets. Use paper towels to dry hands and to wipe up meat juices.
Bacteria can live in kitchen towels, sponges and cloths.
Wash these thoroughly and often. Even better, wash them in the dishwasher daily to kill harmful bacteria. Thaw food in the refrigerator or microwave, never on the countertop or in the sink. Marinate food in the refrigerator. If you a microwave to thaw food, finish cooking immediately.