There's no reason to fear handling raw meat. In fact, there's a simple four-step process you can follow to prevent foodborne illness in your kitchen and keep your family safe.
1. CLEAN — Wash hands for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star) in hot, soapy water to prevent the spread of bacteria after touching raw meat. Also remember to wash anything that has touched the raw meat, including cutting boards, counters and utensils, in hot, soapy water.
2. SEPARATE — Never let raw meat touch ready-to-eat foods. Keep raw meat separate from other foods in your shopping cart; store it on the bottom shelf of your fridge to keep accidental leaks from contaminating other food. Use separate plates, utensils and cutting boards when preparing food at home: one set for raw meat and the second for other foods.
3. COOK — Always cook your meat to the recommended internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness without cutting into the meat. Promptly refrigerate leftovers in a shallow container. Check out the recommended doneness chart to help you determine safe cooking temperatures.
Color in the thermometer up to the red bar to show the right internal temperature to cook to.
4. CHILL— Cold temperatures reduce the growth of bacteria. Shop the meat department last, and refrigerate or freeze meat within two hours of purchase. Always defrost and marinate meat in the refrigerator, not on the counter!