Most foodborne illness happens due to a series of errors leading to contamination. Here are a few tips that may prevent sickness, or help identify the cause of food poisoning:
- When you are grocery shopping, look for food with an expiration date as far in the future as possible.
- Do not buy fruits such as cantaloupe, peaches, plums, and nectarines if you cannot smell them. They were probably picked too early and may never ripen.
- Wash hands in hot, soapy water before and after preparing food and using the restroom.
- Don't cross-contaminate food products. Use separate cutting boards and knives for different foods -- this is especially true for meats, poultry and seafood.
- Wash utensils and cutting boards thoroughly after raw food items come in contact with them. Never re-use a plate or utensil before washing it.
- Most of the time, dangerous food, such as spinach contaminated with E. coli, looks, smells and tastes fine. This is why it is important to make sure that food is thoroughly cooked and prepared properly.
(Source: www.edgarsnyder.com)