The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recommends starting the New Year right by resolving to make food safety a priority.

Proper food handling and preparation can prevent foodborne illnesses, MDARD advised in a news release.

“New Year’s resolutions are often about fresh starts and new opportunities for healthy choices,” MDARD Director Tim Boring said. “Improving food safety practices is a great place to kick off a happy, healthy 2025 for you and your loved ones.”

With that in mind, MDARD offers these five simple food safety practices to promote healthy habits in 2025 —

— Wash hands regularly while preparing food: Handwashing is the first line of defense against foodborne illnesses. Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food, especially raw meat, poultry and seafood.

— Avoid cross-contamination: Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods. Use separate cutting boards for raw proteins and other ingredients such as fruits and vegetables. Make sure to always clean utensils and surfaces after use.

— Use a food thermometer: A food thermometer can ensure foods are cooked to the proper internal temperature. Just because it “looks done” doesn’t mean it’s cooked properly. For example, poultry should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit, while ground beef requires 160 degrees.

— Refrigerate promptly: Keep perishable foods safe by storing them in the refrigerator within two hours. Make sure your refrigerator is set to 40°F or below.

— Teach food safety to others: Share these tips with family and friends to promote safe food handling practices. Food safety is a shared responsibility, and knowledge is a powerful tool in preventing illness.

By adopting these resolutions, Michiganders can take meaningful steps to protect themselves and their families from foodborne illness, MDARD states.

For more MDARD tips and resources regarding food safety, go online to https://www.foodsafety.gov/ or www.Michigan.gov/foodsafety.