Science and Our Food Supply: Investigating Food Safety from Farm to Table

LAB AT A GLANCE

SAFETY 

FIRST

• 

Wash your hands before and after the lab. 

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Seal all inoculated Petri dishes with Parafilm. Remind students never 

to open a dish with organisms growing in it. Some organisms could 

be dangerous pathogens. 

• 

Destroy all disposable Petri dishes using safe techniques after the  

lab is completed, or soak each used Petri dish in a bleach solution 

(see page 7). 

• 

Disinfect all lab surfaces before and after working in the lab  

(see page 8). 

MODULE 4:

 RETAIL AND HOME

Use these tips to keep your hands squeaky clean! 

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Make sure there’s handwashing soap and paper towels or clean cloth towels at every sink in your home. 

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Wash your hands with hot, soapy water (for at least 20 seconds) before and after handling food and after 

using the bathroom, changing diapers, and handling pets. Thoroughly scrub hands, wrists, fingernails, and in 

between fingers. Rinse and dry hands with a paper towel or a clean cloth towel. 

• 

ALWAYS wash hands after touching raw meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or unwashed fresh produce.