Protect Your Plate and Practice Food Safety

HCPH is the local public health agency for the Harris County, Texas jurisdiction. [...] It provides a wide variety of public health activities and services aimed at improving the health and well-being of the Harris County community. [...] Foodborne illnesses affect millions of Americans each year, and many of these illnesses are preventable through proper food handling and awareness. Best practices for food safety at home: • Keep your workspace clean. [...] Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. [...] Washing these foods will make bacteria more likely to spread to areas around your sink and countertops. • Prevent cross-contamination. [...] For example, while a bite of raw cookie dough is tempting, raw eggs and flour can make you sick. [...] Additionally, allow plenty of time to properly thaw frozen food to ensure it cooks evenly. • Keep your food out of the danger zone. [...] If your leftovers sit out for too long at room temperature, dangerous bacteria can grow quickly. [...] The “danger zone” is between 40 and 140 degrees. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and use them within three to four days. HCPH is at the forefront of ensuring food safety in our community. [...] For more information on how you can protect yourself and your family from foodborne illnesses, visit the FDA Food Safety Education Month page and HCPH’s Food Safety page.