There are several practices that the consumer can implement to prevent food
contamination while preparing, cooking, and storing food. These include thoroughly
reheating foods, washing cutting boards and utensils when switching between foods to
prevent cross-contamination, storing foods appropriately, correct hand washing,
storing foods at the correct temperature and maintaining good personal hygiene.
It has been estimated that at least 60 per cent of food poisoning originates in the
home rather than with food manufacturers of restaurants (Worsfold, 1997). It is because
of principles like these that the last defence against food poisoning is often regarded
as resting with the consumer (Gilbert, 1983). However, despite foodborne illness being
a significant and persistent health issue is also one of the most preventable.