The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also one of the most common places for germs to spread. Every year, millions of people are affected by foodborne illnesses, which can cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe illness. 

While it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of foodborne illness completely, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. In this article, we’ll look at the top five germs that may be lurking in your kitchen and how you can prevent them from causing illness. 

From salmonella in raw poultry to listeria in ready-to-eat foods, we’ll provide you with the information you need to keep your kitchen safe and your family healthy. 

We’ll also offer tips on safe food handling practices, proper cleaning and sanitation techniques, and how to recognize the signs of foodborne illness. 

So whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, read on to learn how to protect your family from the dangers of foodborne illness.

The 5 most common germs found in U.S. kitchens

Salmonella

Found in raw poultry and eggs

Symptoms: diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps

Prevention: cook meat and eggs thoroughly, wash hands and surfaces frequently

E. coli

Found in undercooked beef and raw vegetables

Symptoms: severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting

Prevention: cook meat to proper temperature, wash produce thoroughly, avoid cross-contamination

Listeria

Found in ready-to-eat foods such as deli meats and soft cheeses

Symptoms: fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea

Prevention: keep refrigerated foods cold, cook meat and poultry thoroughly 

Staphylococcus aureus

Found in raw or undercooked meat and poultry, unpasteurized milk and cheese

Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps

Prevention: cook meat to proper temperature, avoid unpasteurized dairy products, wash hands and surfaces frequently

Campylobacter

Found in raw poultry, contaminated water, unpasteurized milk

Symptoms: diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain

Prevention: cook meat to proper temperature, avoid cross-contamination, drink only pasteurized milk and water

Practicing good hygiene, properly storing and cooking food, and regularly cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and utensils are key to preventing the spread of germs in the kitchen and protecting your family from foodborne illnesses.

Here are a few questions and tips. They might seem pretty basic, but are fantastic to implement if you aren’t currently doing them.

Food safety tips for the kitchen

To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, it’s important to follow basic food safety tips in the kitchen. These tips include properly storing food, handling and preparing raw meat with care, and cleaning surfaces and utensils thoroughly. Here are three tips you can utilize today:

• Store raw meat on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator to prevent any juices from dripping onto other foods.
• Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
• Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods to avoid cross-contamination.

Common sources of food contamination

Food can become contaminated with germs in a number of ways, including through cross-contamination and improper cooking. To reduce the risk of contamination, handling food safely and cooking it to the proper temperature is important. Here are two tips you can utilize today:

• Keep raw meat separate from other foods in your grocery cart and in your refrigerator to avoid cross-contamination.
• Use a food thermometer to ensure that meat and other potentially hazardous foods are cooked to the appropriate temperature to kill harmful bacteria.

How to recognize the symptoms of foodborne illness

Recognizing the symptoms of foodborne illness is important for seeking prompt medical attention and preventing further spread of the illness. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Here are two ideas you can utilize today:

• If you or a family member experiences symptoms of foodborne illness after consuming a meal, seek medical attention immediately.
• Keep track of any food recalls or warnings issued by public health agencies and avoid consuming any food products that may be contaminated.

Kitchen cleaning and sanitation tips

Proper kitchen cleaning and sanitation is important for preventing the spread of germs and reducing the risk of foodborne illness. Here are five ideas you can utilize today:

• Clean surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water before and after use.
• Use a separate cutting board for raw meat and wash it thoroughly with hot, soapy water after each use.
• Replace sponges and dishcloths frequently to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Sanitize surfaces and utensils with a mixture of water and bleach or a disinfectant spray approved for use in the kitchen.
• Store cleaned dishes and utensils in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.