Safe food practices are essential to prevent foodborne illnesses. This includes washing hands with soap and water before handling food, as well as cleaning surfaces and utensils. It's important to separate raw and cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination. Always store food at the correct temperatures, keeping perishable items in the refrigerator and cooking meats to the recommended internal temperatures. Additionally, proper food storage is crucial. Use airtight containers to keep food fresh and label items with dates to ensure they are consumed before spoiling. Regularly check your pantry and refrigerator for expired items, and discard any food that looks or smells off. Following these practices helps ensure that food remains safe to eat.