1. Preventing bacterial gastroenteritis at home
Always wash your hands well before preparing food and after handling raw meat and poultry.
Wash all raw fruits and vegetables-even packaged ones-with a scrub brush or vegetable wash.
Use one cutting board just for meat. Wash all cutting boards and utensils in hot, soapy water after use. Clean kitchen counters with bleach or disinfectant.
Cook meats to a safe temperature to kill bacteria that may be present in the meat. Use a food thermometer when cooking. Follow these temperature guidelines:
__Cook ground meat (beef, veal, pork, lamb) and meat mixtures to at least 160°F (71°C).
__Cook fresh beef, veal, lamb, and pork (steak, roasts, chops) to at least 145°F (63°C).
__Cook poultry (including ground turkey and chicken) to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Wash your hands well after changing diapers. Dispose of diapers carefully so bacteria doesn't spread.
Wash your hands well before and after contact with someone who is ill. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand gel containing at least 60% alcohol.
Wear gloves when handling clothing, bed linens, or towels belonging to a sick person. Discard the gloves after each use. Then wash your hands well. Wash bed linens and other personal items separately in hot water with detergent and liquid bleach.
2. Tips for good handwashing
Wash your hands often, and always after using the bathroom, playing with pets, and before eating or preparing food. Clean the whole hand, under your nails, between your fingers, and up the wrists:
__Wash for at least 15 seconds. Don’t just wipe. Scrub well.
__Rinse, letting the water run down your fingers, not up your wrists.
__Dry your hands well. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.