The number one way people in the United States develop salmonella poisoning is by handling or eating uncooked meat, seafood, and poultry. When the animal is butchered, feces may get into the meat, and if the animal carries the bacteria in their system, it contaminates the meat you buy in stores. In the case of seafood, the creatures may live in contaminated waters before harvest.Washing your hands after handling any type of raw protein is a must. It's also important to avoid cross-contamination while working in the kitchen. Don't use the same cutting board and knife for your chicken that you use for breads, fruits, and vegetables. If you put raw meat, poultry, or seafood on a plate or pan, don't put it back on the same dish after you cook it. Always store your uncooked meat, poultry, and seafood properly in the refrigerator or freezer, and don't let them touch other foods.Finally, make sure you cook all meat, seafood, and poultry properly and to the right temperature. Serving it raw or under-cooked means you and your family may ingest the bacteria without knowing it. If you eat any of these foods at restaurants, inspect them before eating them to ensure they are cooked properly and don't look unusual.Next
