Food Safety

Four steps to food safety are listed with a person washing their hands above the text "clean", a person cutting meat on a plastic cutting board above the text "separate", a thermometer in a chicken breast above the text "cook", and an open refrigerator with leftover food containers above the text "chill".
Four Steps to Food Safety
Follow key food safety steps to prevent foodborne illness.
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People at higher risk for food poisoning
Risk Factors
Certain groups are at higher risk for foodborne illness.
Person holding their stomach in pain, shape of stomach outlined in red
Symptoms
Food poisoning symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Couple preparing food in the kitchen
CDC and Food Safety
CDC determines prevention measures for foodborne illness and works with partners.

More food safety content

For a safe plate don't cross-contaminate. Use one cutting board or plate for raw meat, poultry and seafood and separate cutting board or plate for produce, bread, and other food that won't be cooked.
Educational Materials and Videos
Collection of social media, videos, infographics and other resources.
Person cutting raw chicken on a cutting board
Foods That Can Cause Food Poisoning
Some foods, including recalled foods, are more likely to cause food poisoning. 
Safer Food Choices
Some foods are more likely to cause food poisoning for the general population.
Safer Food Choices for Pregnant People
Some foods are more likely to cause food poisoning for people who are pregnant.
Safer Food Choices for Children Under 5 Years Old
Some foods are more likely to cause food poisoning for children under 5 years old.
Safer Food Choices for Adults 65 Years or Older
Some foods are more likely to cause food poisoning for people who are 65 years and older.
Safer Food Choices for People With Weakened Immune Systems
Some foods are more likely to cause food poisoning for people who have weakened immune systems.