8 Ways to Prevent Food Poisoning

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The scary truth about food poisoning

Roughly 76 million cases of food poisoning and 5,000 related deaths occur in the United States each year. The elderly, the very young, pregnant women, and people with otherwise weakened immune systems tend to be most vulnerable.

The Senate is considering legislation that would enact stricter food-safety requirements, but for now, “You’re rolling the dice,” says Sarah Klein, a staff attorney for the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a consumer advocacy organization in Washington, D.C.

You’re not totally helpless, though. These eight simple rules may help you avoid foodborne illnesses.

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