Plastic boards are easier to clean and sanitize. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed with water and refrigerated to reduce spoilage. The temperature in a refrigerator should be maintained at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and food should be stored in covered containers. Properly cooking food is another important guard against food poisoning. Heat kills bacteria.
Most cookbooks give appropriate cooking times and temperatures for different foods.
A meat thermometer should be used to ensure complete cooking. Cook red meat until it is well done and poultry until the juices run clear. Never eat raw eggs or foods that contain them. Pasteurized eggs should be used in place of shell eggs when making homemade ice cream, eggnog and mayonnaise. When cooking eggs, make sure that the yolk and white are firm, not runny.