One of the things that I love about late summer is the last of the season's pool parties and picnics. But, if you’re like me, you may not love the potato salad. Why is it that one bad experience with a particular food makes it never quite as appealing again?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, foodborne diseases sicken millions each year and causes billions of dollars in health care-related costs annually.

Handling food properly can help prevent most episodes of food sickness, but according to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health website, a national survey found that less than 60 percent of adults practice safe food handling. 

Be Food Safe was developed by the Partnership for Food Safety Education and government agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture to promote awareness of the dangers associated with improper handling and under-cooking of food. Their recommendations include the following:

• Wash hands before and after handling food, wash any items used for food preparation with hot soapy water, and rinse produce well. 
• Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood apart from other food items in your grocery cart and fridge, and use a separate cutting board for meats.
• Use a food thermometer and refer to a temperature chart to know when foods are cooked thoroughly.

You can check the brochure on their website for more tips. 

Now that I know the facts, I feel justified skipping the fly-eaten potato salad at the family picnic. I’ll keep avoiding it, just to be safe.