How To Avoid E. Coli Poisoning At Home

Step 1: Helping Hands

The most helpful thing you can do to prevent getting e. coli poisoning at home is to regularly wash your hands thoroughly.

Step 2: A Clean Start

E. coli germs can live on all types of surfaces in your kitchen - especially your sink. Use soap and water to keep kitchen surfaces clean.

Step 3: Don't Be Superficial

It's a good idea to disinfect your kitchen surfaces from time to time. Be sure and use a real disinfectant (real disinfectants will have an EPA registration number on them).

Step 4: Ditch The Dishrag

Use paper towels instead of dishrags to dry after cleaning. If you prefer dishrags, be sure to launder them after each use.

Step 5: Zap It

Microwave your sponge, while it's wet, for two minutes to kill e. coli germs.

Step 6: Smart Shopper

Be aware of the foods that commonly carry e. coli bacteria so you can be more cautious with them. Like sources include: ground beef, salami, unpasteurized fruit juices, raw milk, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Step 7: Raw Grit

Wash raw fruits and vegetables under running water. Do this even for fruits and vegetables with rinds and skins you don't plan on eating. Peel off outer layers of lettuce.

Step 8: Keep 'Em Separated

Prepare raw meats and vegetables on separate surfaces. If you only have one cutting board, be sure to wash it with soap and water before switching from one food type to another.

Step 9: Everyone Likes It Hot

In order to kill e. coli germs in your meat, it's necessary to cook it thoroughly. The U.S. government recommends: steaks, roasts, fish: 145°F; pork, eggs, ground beef: 160°F; chicken breasts: 170°F; chicken, turkey 180°F.

Step 10: Clean Plate Club

Do not put cooked meat onto any plates or surfaces that held raw meat.

Step 11: Wash, Rinse, Repeat

Clean your kitchen after prepping and cooking all foods and beverages.