At Home Most cases of food-related infection occur as a result of food handling or preparation at home. It is crucial to keep shelves, countertops, refrigerators, stoves, sinks, utensils, sponges, towels and brushes clean. Use plastic cutting boards, which are easier to sterilize, instead of wooden ones. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be cleaned in a mild bleach bath and should be peeled if possible. Always wash hands before and after handling food.
Proper cooking is one of the main ways to avoid contamination, since heat kills bacteria.
Consult cookbooks for proper cooking temperatures and times, and use a meat thermometer. Cook red meat until it is well done. Eggs should be thoroughly cooked, not runny. Microwave cooking involves special requirements. Consult a microwave cookbook for details on proper use.