Wash Hands and Surfaces Often

Preventing the Spread of Germs

What Things Need to be Disinfected Regularly?

• Diapering tables

What Things Need to be Sanitized Regularly?

• Toys
• Kitchen surfaces, such as tables and counters
• Cutting boards
• Food preparation equipment, such as mixers
• High chair trays

Wash hands and work surfaces like counters before starting food preparation.

Wash hands, work surfaces, and utensils after touching raw meat, raw poultry, raw fish, or raw eggs. If children have helped in meal preparation, make sure they wash their hands as well.

Why is this important? Raw meat, raw poultry, raw fish, and raw eggs can contain dangerous bacteria. To keep bacteria from spreading, it's important to wash anything that comes in contact with these raw foods.

For instance, don't chop lettuce or other salad vegetables on a cutting board where you've just trimmed raw meat, raw poultry, or raw fish. Wash the board thoroughly in hot soapy water before using it again.

View the short video clip about preventing the spread of germs.

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Safe Diapering

Three Keys to Keeping Yourself and Your Children Healthy

1. Use the diapering area only for diapering. Never change diapers where you prepare or serve food.
2. Changing tables should be cleaned and disinfected after each use. A variety of commercial disinfecting solutions are available. Directions on product labels should be followed closely.
3. Always wash your hands and the child’s hands — even if hands look clean.

	Illness Alert Bloody diarrhea in a child may be a symptom of a potentially deadly foodborne illness caused by E. coli 0157:H7. Children who are not toilet–trained are especially likely to spread the infection. Family members and day care providers should pursue medical treatment for the child and consult their local health department for advice on preventing the spread of the infection.