September is National Food Safety Education Month! Step up your food safety game at home with these tips and tricks.

Created in 1994, the goal of National Food Safety Education Month is to heighten awareness about the importance of food safety. Every year, an estimated one in six Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, another 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die from eating contaminated food.

To set the table for terrific meals at home, follow a few simple guidelines for a worry-free feast.

Do this

• Start with a clean work area.
• Keep raw and cooked food separate.
• Rinse fruits and veggies under running tap water.
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
• Read and follow package cooking instructions.
• Use a food thermometer.
• Keep your refrigerator at 40 F or below.

Not that

• Never defrost food at room temperature.
• Do not rinse meat or poultry.
• Do not keep refrigerated leftovers past three days.

Foodborne illnesses are serious, but with a little preparation, everyone can be healthy.

Sources: cdc.gov, fightbac.org

At Publix, our food safety specialists are not only passionate about protecting our customers, they’re award-winning too! Earlier in the year, Food Safety Specialist Kenesha Williamson received the 2018 Sanitarian of the Year award. This prestigious award is given to those who exhibit the highest level of proficiency in the field of food safety.