Even healthful foods can be unhealthy if they are not handled and prepared correctly. Most of us know that eggs and chicken can transmit salmonella and that beef can transmit E. coli, but people often forget that it is possible to contract the same bacterial infections from fresh produce. These bacteria get on our fruits and vegetables in a couple of ways. Sometimes the manure used as fertilizer is contaminated with bacteria that can adhere to the surfaces of the produce. Sometimes the bacteria find their way onto our foods from the hands of food handlers and grocers. In addition to ridding your food of bacteria, you should wash your fresh fruit and vegetables to get rid of pesticides that may still be clinging to them.

Here are some other tips for handling and preparing food properly:

- Bacteria on a steak will be killed if the surface is browned, but ground beef must be fully cooked throughout to be sterilized.
- Do not use the same utensils and plates for cooked food that you used to prepare and store it.
- Kitchen sponges should be disposed of after a few weeks, and kitchen rags washed regularly.

Use plastic and glass cutting boards rather than wooden cutting boards to decrease the transmission of bacteria to your foods.

Finally, wash your hands before, during, and after food preparation. This is not only protective but also instills hygienic habits in both you and your children.

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