There are 5 steps to keep away food-borne illnesses :

1. Use safe water and food.

2. Cleaning foods properly is one of the most important ways to prevent food-borne illnesses.

3. Separating raw foods such as meat, chicken, seafood and eggs  helps prevent cross-contamination.

4. Cook your food thoroughly. The best way to check your foods temperature is with a food thermometer.

5. Refrigerate raw and perishable foods within two hours or within one hour in very hot weather.

Contact your family medicine doctor if you become sickened  from food as soon as possible.