Prevention

The Department of Agriculture has created a Salmonella Action Plan, which involves updating the poultry slaughter inspection system and enhancing sampling and testing programs for poultry and meat. The plan's purpose is to cut the number of salmonella infections in the United States.

You can also take care to avoid spreading bacteria to others. Preventive methods are especially important when preparing food or providing care for infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Be sure to cook food thoroughly and refrigerate or freeze food promptly.

Wash your hands

Washing your hands thoroughly can help prevent the transfer of salmonella bacteria to your mouth or to any food you're preparing. Wash your hands after you:

• Use the toilet
• Change a diaper
• Handle raw meat or poultry
• Clean up pet feces
• Touch reptiles or birds

Keep things separate

To prevent cross-contamination:

• Store raw meat, poultry and seafood away from other foods in your refrigerator
• If possible, have two cutting boards in your kitchen — one for raw meat and the other for fruits and vegetables
• Never place cooked food on an unwashed plate that previously held raw meat

Avoid eating raw eggs

Cookie dough, homemade ice cream and eggnog all contain raw eggs. If you must consume raw eggs, make sure they've been pasteurized.