Food Safety and You

To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, it is essential to follow safe food handling and cooking practices. Knowing how to properly cook, clean, chill and separate foods while handling and preparing them can help you to avoid complications from foodborne illness.

Did you know...

Practicing safe food handling at home and at the grocery store can help prevent foodborne illness. Explore Health Canada's Safe Food Handling Interactive Guide to learn how you can safely handle food at home and at the grocery store. Interactive Guide

4 Quick Tips

  • Cook: Always cook food to the safe internal temperature. You can check this by using a digital food thermometer.
  • Clean: Wash your hands and surfaces often with warm, soapy water.
  • Chill: Always refrigerate food and leftovers promptly at 4°C or below.
  • Separate: Make sure to always separate your raw foods, such as meat and eggs, from cooked foods and vegetables.

Who is at risk?

Food safety is important to everyone; however, vulnerable populations such as seniors, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk for foodborne illness.

Pregnant Women

During pregnancy, both you and your unborn baby are at an increased risk for foodborne illness because of all the changes taking place in your body. Learn more about safe food handling practices to help protect you and your baby. Download or order your copy of Safe Food Handling for Pregnant Women.

Adults 60+

As we age it becomes harder for our immune systems to fight off harmful bacteria. While most people affected by foodborne illness can recover completely, serious longer-term health effects, including conditions such as kidney failure and anaemia, are more common in older adults. Learn more about how safe food handling can help protect you from foodborne illness. Download or order your copy of Safe Food Handling for Adults 60+.

People with Weakened Immune Systems

Some conditions, as well as treatments for certain illnesses, can affect your immune system. This can make it difficult to fight off harmful foodborne bacteria. This situation can lead to serious complications. To learn how to protect yourself from foodborne illness,download or order your copy of Safe Food Handling for People with Weakened Immune Systems.

Food Safety Tips

Did you know that you can’t tell if a food is safe to eat by its smell or taste? Learn more food safety tips and help reduce your risk of foodborne illness.

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