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Preventing Food Poisoning

What is Food Poisoning?

Foodborne illness (sometimes called foodborne disease, foodborne infection, or food poisoning) is common, costly – and preventable. CDC estimates that 1 in 6 Americans get sick from eating contaminated food every year.

You can get food poisoning after swallowing food that has been contaminated with a variety of germs (bacteria, viruses, parasites) or toxic substances (chemical toxins or natural toxins such as those in some mushrooms and molds).

  • Some foods are contaminated before they reach a kitchen.
  • Others are contaminated by food handlers.

Protect Yourself from Food Poisoning

Keep Food Safe

4 steps to food safety - clean, separate, cook, chill

Learn the four steps (clean, separate, cook, chill) to protect your family from food poisoning.

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Foods Linked to Illness

Head of lettuce

Learn which foods are most associated with foodborne illnesses.

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How Food Gets Contaminated

Small version of The Food Production Chain infographic

Food contamination can occur at any point—during production, processing, distribution, or preparation.

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Raw Milk Dangers

Glass of milk

Raw milk and products made from it can pose severe health risks, including death.

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