Safe steps in food handling, cooking, and storage are essential in preventing foodborne illness. Whether shopping for food or preparing foods for your family, the following guidelines can guide you in keeping food safe.
 

General

• Steps to Keep Food Safe
• Cleanliness Helps Prevent Foodborne Illness
• Washing Food: Does it Promote Food Safety?
• The Color of Meat and Poultry
• Molds on Food: Are They Dangerous?

Temperatures & Food

• How Temperatures Affect Food
• Danger Zone 40F - 140F
• Safe Temperature Chart

Cooking

• Cooking with Microwave Ovens
• Deep Fat Frying
• Doneness Versus Safety
• Grilling Food Safely
• High Altitude Cooking
• Slow Cookers and Food Safety
• Smoking Meat and Poultry
• Cooking for Groups

Refrigeration & Storage

• Refrigeration
• Freezing and Food Safety
• Leftovers and Food Safety
• Keeping "Bag" Lunches Safe
• Safe Handling of Take-Out Foods
• Kitchen Thermometers
• Mail Order Food Safety
• The Big Thaw — Safe Defrosting Methods
• Shelf-Stable Food

Grocery & Packaging

• Food Product Dating
• Additives in Meat and Poultry Products
• Food Allergies
• Glossary of Packaging Terms
• Irradiation and Food Safety FAQ
• Meat and Poultry Labeling Terms
• Meat and Poultry Packaging Materials
• Natural Flavors on Meat and Poultry Labels
• Water in Meat & Poultry

Kitchen Utensils & Appliances

• Appliance Thermometers
• Cutting Boards

Food Safety Inspection & Recalls

• Inspection for Food Safety: The Basics
• Understanding FSIS Food Recalls
• How to Find the USDA Establishment Number
• Slaughter Inspection 101
• Importing Meat, Poultry & Egg Products US

Emergencies

• Keep Your Food Safe During Emergencies
• A Consumer's Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes
• Fires and Food Safety
• Removing Odors from Refrigerators and Freezers