Prevent cross-contamination when handling raw meat
Wash hands between touching raw meat and anything else, and avoid touching tools/foods until you’ve cleaned up.
After handling raw meat or poultry, stop and wash your hands before touching utensils, seasonings, or other ingredients. This reduces the chance of spreading bacteria around the kitchen.
The short version
- Wash hands after touching raw meat before touching anything else.
- Don’t handle tools/other foods until you’ve washed.
What goes wrong
Continuing to prep other ingredients right after touching raw chicken/meat
Pause for a thorough hand wash before touching anything else.
Why it works
Raw meat juices can transfer pathogens to ready-to-eat foods and surfaces; handwashing breaks that transfer chain.
Put it to use
Learn next
Unplug the food processor before adjusting blades or troubleshooting assembly
If something seems wrong or you need to adjust parts, unplug the machine first to avoid accidental start-up.
Hand-wash and dry food processor parts before first use
Before using a new food processor, wash the removable parts by hand and dry them so they’re clean and ready to assemble safely.
Cook chicken to 165°F to ensure it’s safely done
Use an instant-read thermometer and aim for 165°F internal temperature to confirm chicken is fully cooked.
Check doneness near the bone for bone-in chicken
For bone-in chicken, measure internal temperature close to the bone because it cooks slower there.