Germ-Free Cooking

The Center for Science in the Public interest recommends that we assume all raw meat, poultry and fish are contaminated with bacteria, and therefore handle them properly. To preven even a mild case of food poisoning "flu" in your home, do not allow any uncooked meat to come in contact with cutting boards, plates or utensils that will touch foods that will not be further cooked.

Follow these important safe-handling tips:

Own 2 cutting boards. Reserve one for meats, the other for vegetables. This helps reduce the chances of cross contamination.

Thoroughly wash your cutting boards and knife immediately after prepping your meat. (Delaying this chore is an invitation for cross contamination to occur.)

Use a CLEAN plate for serving meat off the grill (not the plate you used to bring the meat to the grill.) Use a clean utensil as well.

Discard meat marinade after use. (However, if you boil it, you can serve it as a dipping sauce.

Happy cooking!