Health Tip: Prepare Food Carefully

(HealthDay News) - Food poisoning, with common symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and severe abdominal cramping, can be avoided with a few simple precautions.

Here are suggestions on how to reduce your risk of eating contaminated food, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Thoroughly wash your hands before and after touching food, and clean all kitchen surfaces before and after food is prepared.

• Make sure all foods -- especially meats -- are thoroughly cooked. Use a thermometer to be sure meat is cooked to a high enough temperature.

• Never allow cooked foods to come into contact with uncleaned dishes or surfaces where raw meats have been prepared.

• Never cook foods that are past their expiration date, and discard any foods that smell or look spoiled or rotten.

• Keep foods refrigerated until right before you cook or eat them. Never eat foods that have been sitting unrefrigerated for long periods.