What are food safety guidelines?

Food safety guidelines are rules and safety standards concerning the handling, storage, and cooking of food, according to AskKaren, a food safety column sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These guidelines are important because they can help prevent foodborne illnesses, including food poisoning.

Each year, approximately 16% of Americans become ill after eating contaminated food or drinks, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Following basic food guidelines, such as how long to store certain foods, how long and at what temperature to cook certain foods, and which types of cutting boards to use, can help to prevent these illnesses.