The holidays are a time for laughter, togetherness, and of course — food. But amid the joy of home-cooked meals, potlucks, and buffet spreads lies a silent threat: foodborne illness. Each year, millions of Americans suffer from preventable infections caused by Salmonella , E. coli , Listeria , and other bacteria lurking in undercooked meats or mishandled leftovers. The good news? A few simple precautions can protect your family and make your holiday celebrations both delicious and safe.

Before preparing food, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Clean all cutting boards, countertops, and utensils before and after they touch raw meat, poultry, eggs, or seafood. Cross-contamination is one of the leading causes of holiday food poisoning, especially whe

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