1. Clean: Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces often. This helps in preventing the spread of bacteria. 2. Separate: Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination. 3. Cook: Cook foods to the right temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check. 4. Chill: Refrigerate perishable foods promptly. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.