Here are a few food safety tips from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County.

WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY WITH SOAP AND RUNNING WATER:

o After using the bathroom

o Before handling food

o When switching between raw and cooked foods

o After eating, drinking, or smoking

o After changing a diaper

o Whenever hands become contaminated

o Between changing gloves

o Make sure to keep soap and paper towels at all handwashing sinks

WEAR GLOVES PROPERLY:

o Wash hands and put on new gloves before handling food

o Never re-use or wash gloves

o Change gloves once they become soiled or discolored

o Change gloves when switching between raw and cooked foods

o Change gloves whenever hands become contaminated

o Always wash hands before changing into a new pair of gloves

o Remove gloves before eating, drinking, smoking, or taking out the garbage

THAW FOODS IN THE REFRIGERATOR BEFORE COOKING, SERVING

Keep cold foods at 41 degrees F or below

COOK FOODS THOROUGHLY (for a minimum of 15 seconds as indicated below)

o Chicken and other poultry and stuffed meats - 165 degrees F

o Ground beef and other ground meats - 155 degrees F

o Pork, beef, eggs, and other meats - 145 degrees F

o Once cooked, keep hot foods at 140 degrees F or above

o Cool hot foods rapidly to 41 degrees F, or below, within 4 hours of serving

HANDLING FOODS

Do not touch ready-to-eat foods with bare hands

Use utensils to handle food, whenever possible

SHOULD I KEEP IT?

If possible, do not keep leftovers. When in doubt â€" throw it out!

For more information, please contact your county health department or visit www.floridahealth.gov or www.FloridaDisaster.org.