Food Safety at HomeZach Bowe5/5/14Every year, millions of people become ill from food poisoning and other diet-related illnesses. Many of these illnesses can easily be avoided by cooking and handling food properly in the kitchen. Unfortunately, many people around the world are unaware of the consequences of contaminated and undercooked food. It is important that every person who plans to prepare a meal in their life (almost everyone) understands how to properly prepare their meal. Ever since humans walked this earth, they have been eating and preparing meals. There isn't really an exact date when man began cooking his meals, but whenever this revelation occurred, it would change the way humans view food forever. Now let's fast forward a few hundred thousand years to the 21st century: today, food security has become a major national priority. Many programs and departments have been created to draw public attention to this issue. The most important agency when it comes to food safety is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is responsible for protecting the overall public health of American citizens by regulating foods, among other things. Specifically, the FDA oversees almost everything we put in our bodies, at least legally. The FDA is responsible for recalling contaminated foods, regulating food labels, and more. So what does this agency have to do with food safety at home? The answer is quite simple; virtually everything the average American eats for dinner has most likely been regulated by this agency. They are responsible for protecting what we put into our bodies, whether we want to admit it or not, we are tru...... middle of paper ......managed immediately after cooking. Another safe way to keep food fresh after cooking is freezing. If a food is frozen after being cooked, it can last much longer than refrigerated foods. If all four steps are followed accordingly, a person can decrease their chances of contracting a foodborne illness and even something as simple as a cold. Eating is something that we do several times a day, it is very important that we take these measures very seriously, because we can not only harm ourselves, but also others. As individuals, we must do our part by ensuring that we handle and prepare our meals correctly. It is also important that departments like the FDA and USDA also do their part in the process. If our diet is regulated and monitored and we do our part, there is a very good chance that we can avoid getting sick and lead healthier lives...