How can I avoid getting food poisoning?

Steps You can take to avoid getting food poisoning?

Thoroughly wash your hands with soap (liquid soap is preferable) in warm running water
- after visiting the toilet,
- before and after handling raw meat,
- before and after preparing food,
- after coming into contact with animals.
Keep perishable food refrigerated (below 8ºC)
Keep raw meat and poultry away from other foods
Always cook food thoroughly, especially poultry
Avoid raw or partially cooked egg dishes

Do not attend the swimming baths whilst you have diarrhoea.
If you have Cryptosporidium do not attend the swimming baths for 2 weeks after you are OK
Thoroughly wash your hands with soap (liquid soap is preferable) in warm running water after visiting the toilet
Stay away from work, school or nursery whilst you are ill and for a further 48 hour period after your symptoms have ceased
Put the lid of the toilet down before flushing
Disinfect the toilet and toilet seat at least once per day
Thoroughly dry your hands
Do not share your towel
Wash any soiled articles on a "hot cycle".

Further information regarding keeping food safe can be found on the Food Standards Agency's "Eat well, be well" website.

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