Would you eat that chicken burger or grilled meat if you knew it was coated with salmonella or E.coli? No, right? Turns out that an annoying number of store-bought meat is contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. And while antibiotics in meat aren’t particularly harmful, the use of antibiotics in animals has been linked to the production of antibiotic-resistant bacteria which can be a concern when they find their way to your plate. Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food poisoning. But that doesn’t mean that you have to swear off meat altogether. Just follow these guidelines.

1 Go Organic

According to guidelines, organic farmers are prohibited to treat animals with growth hormones or antibiotics. So getting your meat from the organic section will ensure that you do not pick something with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Consumption of Red Meat and White Meat Equally Affects The Cholesterol Levels, Finds Study.

2 Keep Meat Separate

Meat is most dangerous in its raw form even when it is all packed in the grocery store. So when you are in the meat aisle of the superstore, ensure that you keep it in a separate bag to avoid contact with other food items. Use a separate cutting board for raw meat in the kitchen to prevent cross-contamination. Also, be sure to clean the boar and knife thoroughly after every use.

3 Store Meat in the Fridge

Instead of running extra errands after purchasing the meat, chill it in the freezer to prevent bacterial growth. Store the meat in the lowest shelf of the freezer to keep any juices percolating into other foods, especially raw foods. Also, thaw meat in the fridge or in cold water as it can foster bacterial growth on the counter.

4 Wash without Spilling

Splashing water from washing the meat is one of the most common ways of spreading bacteria in the kitchen. So wash your meat with care so that it doesn’t easily splash onto the surface of your kitchen. Diet Rich in Animal Protein and Meat Put Men at a Greater Risk of Death: Study.

5 Wash Hands after Handling Meat

It is critical that you wash your hands before and after handling raw meat to prevent the spread of the bacteria. This is particularly important before you use the toilet as meats like chicken and turkey contains a bug that can give you a UTI.

6 Cook Well

So here is good news. Cooking meat in proper temperature can destroy the harmful bacteria. A minimum of 165 degrees F is recommended for poultry and ground meat. Also, do not remove the meat at least 15 minutes after cooking from the stove, grill or oven, as the meat continues to cook even during this time.

Just be careful about ground meat as they are most commonly contaminated. Avoid storing them with other foods to avoid cross-contamination and ensure that you cook them thoroughly to keep the bacteria from your plate.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2019 12:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).