Thawing - Don't thaw on the counter. Bacteria grow quickly at room temperature. Thaw food in the refrigerator the night before or in the microwave just before cooking. Wash hands, utensils and cutting boards in hot, soapy water before preparing food and after handling raw meat or poultry. Use a plastic cutting board instead of a wooden one.
Bacteria can hide in grooves on wooden boards and multiply.
Promptly refrigerate food after meals, don't just let it sit out on the table or counter. Divide food into small containers for quick cooling in the refrigerator. Remove stuffing from poultry, or other meats, and refrigerate separately. For buffets, keep cold food on ice or use small serving dishes and replenish from the refrigerator. For hot foods, use a heating dish or re-heat small servings from the refrigerator and replenish the buffet.