Bacteria in food may make it unsafe or unpleasant to eat. The best way to prevent food poisoning is to stop the bacteria getting into it in the first place. Bacteria are found in people, raw food, pets, air, dust, dirt and food waste. Great care must be taken to stop any bacteria getting on to food.

Bacteria can get on to food in many ways:

• when people touch food or cooking equipment with dirty hands;
• when a fly lands on food or cooking equipment;
• when a pet touches food or cooking equipment;
• when raw and cooked food touches.

People can easily pass bacteria on to food. Many people carry some food-poisoning bacteria on their body without knowing it. So it is very important to take care with personal hygiene, and particularly to keep hands clean and avoid habits like scratching and picking.

People's hands often touch food and cooking equipment, so bacteria are easily passed on to food by hands while cooking or eating. Hands also touch raw food, parts of the body, rubbish and pets which may all have bacteria on them. So hands must be washed well and often. Use hot water and soap to clean hands thoroughly. Then dry them with a clean towel. It is very important to wash your hands before you touch any food.
Dirt and bacteria also get under your nails. Keep them clean and short and don't wear nail varnish because it can chip off in the food. Don't wear jewellery because it can carry bacteria too.

Many people have bacteria on their skin. Bacteria are often found in cuts, spots and boils. Cover up cuts with waterproof plasters before touching food.

Bacteria are found in people's nose, mouth and ears. So don't cough or sneeze over food. Don't pick or scratch your nose or ears near food. Don't taste food and then dip your finger or spoon back into the food again. People should not smoke near food.

People's hair and heads carry bacteria. Loose hairs and dandruff can easily fall into food. Don't brush or comb your hair near food because the bacteria could drop in.

Clothes can easily pick up dirt and bacteria from all sorts of places - when you play outside, when you touch pets, or when you do the gardening. Make sure that your clothes are clean and wear an apron to stop bacteria from your clothes getting into the food.

When people have food poisoning, they have bacteria in their stomach. The bacteria will come out when people go to the toilet. They can get on to your hands and on to the toilet seat or handle.
You must wash your hands well after using the toilet. Do not get food ready for anyone else if you have sickness or diarrhoea (tummy upset).
Even if you are no longer ill, wash your hands well because the bacteria may still be there.

• Keep yourself clean, especially your hands.
• Make sure all plates, knives, spoons, etc. are clean before they are used. Wash them up afterwards.
• Keep raw food and cooked food separate.
• Keep food covered or wrapped.
• Keep pets and pests out of the kitchen.
• Clean up straightaway if you spill something.
• Keep rubbish in a bin and empty it often.
• Keep tea towels and dishcloths clean.