One of the 14 cases of a 6-state E. coli outbreak is in Cherokee, officials with the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control have told various news outlets.

How can you protect yourself from foodborne illnesses?

FoodSafety.gov offers the following tips:

• Clean
  • Wash hands the right way for 20 seconds with soap and running water.
  • Wash surfaces and utensils after each use.
  • Wash fruits and veggies, but not meat, poultry or eggs.
    
• Separate
  • Use separate cutting boards and plates for produce and for meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.
    
  • Keep meat, poultry, seafood and eggs separate from all other foods at the grocery.
  • Keep meat, poultry, seafood and eggs separate from all other foods in the fridge.
• Cook
  • Use a food thermometer.
    
  • Keep food at 140˚F or above after cooking.
  • Microwave food thoroughly to 165˚F.
• Chill
  • Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours.
  • Never thaw or marinate foods on the counter.
  • Know when to throw food out.
    

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