Be smart about food preparation, and follow these important tips.

Bacteria can spread throughout the kitchen from prep to cooking. To be food smart, keep these tips in mind:

• Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, both before and after handling food.
• Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops with hot soapy water after preparing food.
• Consider using paper towels to clean kitchen surfaces.
• Use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, and seafood to avoid cross-contamination.
• Use a food thermometer to measure internal temperature of cooked foods.
• Refrigerate foods when not using or consuming.
• Never defrost food at room temperature. Food must be kept at a safe temperature during thawing. Three safe ways to defrost is in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave. Food thawed in cold water or microwave should be cooked immediately.