Food Safety at Home

Food safety is very important. We can help you learn how to make the food you eat as safe as possible.

Eating contaminated food can be a major cause of illness. Foodborne illness can be caused by eating food exposed to chemicals, food contaminated by germs like bacteria and viruses, or food sensitivities and allergies. Generally, people who have weaker immune systems (e.g., the elderly, infants, and people with immune systems already compromised by other illnesses) are at a higher risk. Even healthy people can get a foodborne illness that can be very serious, with effects that last a lifetime.

A basic course about food safety called “Food Safety for All” is available for free as an online course. Learn important food safety tips to keep you and your family safe from food borne illnesses.

Read the following fact sheets and web links about a variety of food safety topics:

• Barbecues and Picnics

• Cooking and Reheating

• The Danger Zone

• Foodborne Illness

• Food Safety During Pregnancy

• Food Safety after a Flood

• Get the Safe Food Facts (Ontario Ministry of Health)

• How to use a probe thermometer

• Leftover Food and Reheating Safety

• Thawing Foods Safely

• Personal Hygiene For Food Handlers

• Power Outage and Food Safety

• Refrigerate Right

• Safe Food Handling Tips (Health Canada)
• Safe Turkey Preparation and Handling
• Separate: Don't Cross-Contaminate

• Sushi Safety

• Urban Chickens
• Food Handler's Storage Guide