The "Check Your Steps!" program by the USDA promotes food safety through four key rules:
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Clean: Always wash hands, surfaces, and fruits and vegetables thoroughly before handling food to prevent contamination.
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Separate: Keep raw meats, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from other foods to avoid cross-contamination.
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Cook: Ensure that foods are cooked to the proper internal temperatures to kill harmful bacteria.
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Chill: Refrigerate perishable foods promptly and maintain safe temperatures to slow the growth of bacteria.
These rules help ensure safe food handling and prevent foodborne illnesses.