As the summer season approaches, it is important to be aware of potential food poisoning risks. With lots of outdoor picnics, barbeques, and getting together, carrying and cooking food becomes extra important to avoid health risks. Here are some precautions doled out by Dr. Matthew Green, a medical professional specializing in gastroenterology and foodborne diseases. To avoid food poisoning, know the potential sources of contamination, make sure food is cooked correctly, and take care in how food is stored and handled. For raw vegetables and fruits, wash them with cold water before consuming. Stay away from consuming raw meats, in particular, hides of the animals as they can carry bacterial infections such as Salmonella and E. coli. For foods that need to be cooked, make sure you are aware of their cooking temperatures. Bacteria can survive on food that isn't cooked to the required temperature, so ensure that you are reaching the lowest temperature that will kill the most bacteria in a food. Another factor to be aware of is how to store and handle food. cross-contamination is a very serious issue and microbes in food can spread quickly if left open and unprotected for even a short amount of time. In regards to storage, make sure to store food in refrigerator-safe containers, and it is important to have separate cutting boards and knives for different types of food to avoid cross-contamination. Be aware of food-handling practices when eating outside of the home. Buying cooked food from a sidewalk vendor means you can't really verify the safety of the food. It's best to make sure food is served at a temperature above room temperature and make sure that the seller is wearing gloves while preparing your food. As the summer season approaches and the warm days and nights come with us, make sure you're taking the right steps to avoid food poisoning. Following these steps can help keep you and your family safe and healthy.