• Quickly cool leftover food - Many people mistakenly believe that putting hot food in the refrigerator leads to spoilage. However, bacteria growth is actually minimized when it's placed in cooler temperatures.

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• Sanitize your kitchen counters - Cleaning your countertops with a washcloth or sponge may give the illusion of cleanliness but you may actually be spreading bacteria. Bacteria can also multiply inside washcloths and sponges, even after washing them, so it's important to use a disinfectant to wipe down your counters and not rely on water alone.

• Use clean serving platters - When you are cooking with raw meat, never put cooked meat back onto the plate that held the raw meat. Bacteria can be left behind from the raw meat's juices and will contaminate your cooked meat. Use clean plates and utensils when you have finished cooking your meat.

• Wash your meat thermometer - Although a meat thermometer can help you keep your food safe, it's just as important to remember that it needs to be washed after every use. Before reinserting the thermometer into another food item, wash the probe with hot, soapy water.

It can never be said enough that washing your hands will help greatly in preventing food-borne illnesses. You should wash before and after touching food, and scrub for at least 20 seconds.