When preparing a meal, you should pay special attention to proper food handling techniques. Following these guidelines. Which can help to keep you and your family, safe and healthy. First, you should wash your hands. Before handling any food. You should also ensure that dishes, utensils and work surfaces are clean. Next, food needs to be stored in the refrigerator until it is used. In addition, all fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly. Because there could be chemicals or bacteria on their peel. When cooking with meat, ensure it fully cooked. Fully cooked before serving so any bacteria are killed by the heat. Finally, you serve food on clean dishes, not those which previous held raw meat or unwashed produce. This may appear to be time-consuming work. But it can save your life.