IN HOME FOOD SAFETY MYTHBUSTERS

1. IN HOME FOOD SAFETY MYTHBUSTERS MYTH FACT VS Using hand sanitizer is better than washing your hands. While using hand sanitizer is a great addition to handwashing, it should not be used in place of handwashing. Handwashing removes any visible dirt, soil, food, and other debris from your hands, while hand sanitizer ONLY reduces the number of germs present. Washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water is the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs . Information provided by

2. IN HOME FOOD SAFETY MYTHBUSTERS • MYTH • FACT VS Placing meat in water or sitting meat out on the counter top is OK for thawing. Thawing meat in water or leaving it on your counter top allows the meat to sit at unsafe temperatures causing dangerous germs to grow. Plan ahead. Thaw your meats in the refrigerator to keep food safe. Information provided by

3. IN HOME FOOD SAFETY MYTHBUSTERS • MYTH • FACT VS Kids eating uncooked cookie dough or cake batter is OK because of the sugar in the foods. Even dessert foods, like uncooked cookie dough and cake batter, should not be consumed because of raw eggs contained in these foods. Eating these types of foods, especially by children, may cause food poisoning. Only eat these and other foods once they have been cooked to the proper internal temperature. Information provided by

4. IN HOME FOOD SAFETY MYTHBUSTERS • MYTH • FACT VS Leaving food on the stove top is OK as long as you refrigerate the leftovers. Leaving food on the stove or counter top allows for harmful germs to grow on the food when not kept at proper temperatures. Leftovers, particularly large portions of food, should be placed into smaller containers, loosely covered, and refrigerated immediately to prevent the growth of germs and possible food poisoning. Information provided by

5. IN HOME FOOD SAFETY MYTHBUSTERS • MYTH • FACT VS Using the microwave to heat sponges used on dishes and counter tops is a safe way to sanitize them. Sponges are not suggested for cleaning of counter tops, dishes, pots and pans, or other surfaces the food touches . Since sponges carry many germs, using a microwave to heat sponges does not effectively kill germs. Using a cloth towel that is frequently washed is the best way to prevent the spread of germs. Information provided by