Handle and prepare food safely
Refrigerate perishable foods quickly. Don’t allow juices from meat, seafood, and poultry or eggs to drip on other foods. Wash hands and kitchen surfaces and utensils while preparing food. Wash raw fruits and vegetables. Don’t eat raw eggs. Cook poultry and meat until the juices run clear. Use different dishes for raw foods and cooked foods. Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Don’t leave leftovers out longer than two hours.
Read more information from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Report suspected foodborne illness
Contact the Minnesota Department of Health by
email or call 1-877-FOOD-ILL (1-877-366-3455) if you suspect a foodborne illness.
If you use a well, test it
City water supplies are tested regularly for many contaminants, but private well testing is the responsibility of the well owner. There are about 8,000 households that rely on private wells in Dakota County, approximately half in cities and half in rural townships. Private well owners should test their water for bacteria each year and for nitrate every two to three years. Private well owners should take steps to protect their well from contamination and should consider installing and maintaining a point-of-use water treatment system.
Find out how to get your well tested.