(HealthDay News) -- When bacteria or other germs set up shop in your food, they can make you quite sick.

The U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse offers these food-safety suggestions:

• Refrigerate leftovers right away.
• Make sure all foods are cooked thoroughly and to a sufficient temperature.
• Don't expose raw meat to other foods.
• Thoroughly wash hands after touching raw food, and always before preparing food.
• Wash all kitchen utensils in hot water and soap.
• Wash sponges, rags and dish towels frequently using the washer's hot cycle.
• Wash all fresh produce before eating or preparing.
• Refrigerate foods while marinating or defrosting, instead of leaving them on the counter.
• Remove any leftover poultry stuffing and refrigerate.
• Don't pack the fridge with too many groceries, which inhibit air circulation.