Food-borne illnesses can also be prevented by keeping your utensils clean. If they are not washed properly, bacteria can remain on them. This is especially true if you use utensils on raw items, such as chicken or ground beef, and then use that same knife to cut up your lettuce and tomatoes.

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You also want to make sure that the area used for food preparation is thoroughly sanitized. Countertops and cutting boards can harbor lots of harmful bacteria, so keep them sanitized by cleaning them after every use.

There are some common myths associated with food poisoning, and by dispelling the fallacies and understanding the realities, you have a better chance to prevent food-borne illnesses.

Myth: Food dishes made with mayonnaise can make you sick.

Truth: Mayonnaise has often been blamed for making someone sick if it was used in a dish that was left out for a period of time, or in a dish brought to an outdoor event such as a picnic. The culprit is actually bacteria, and that bacterium grows more on foods that contain protein and are kept in temperatures higher than 40 degrees F. The risk of bacteria growth actually lies in the foods that mayonnaise is mixed with, such as potatoes, eggs, or chicken. Keeping a prepared dish at a temperature of 40 degrees F or below will ward off the bacteria.

Myth: As long as eggs are at least partially cooked, they are safe to eat.