48 million Americans each year get some kind of food borne sickness. At the worst they lead to some 3000 deaths. 180,000 people get hospitalized. Health officials believe there is a higher number of episodes that just don't get reported. How many people could identify the refrigerator handle as one of the most hazardous havens for bacteria in the kitchen?

So with Thanksgiving bringing in family, here are some steps you can take in the home to avoid this happening to you or any of your household.

• Change dishcloths every days, change dishtowels every day, clean sponges by laying them on the top rack of the dishwasher every single day;
• When you clean your sink, don't forget the faucets, top to bottom, front and back, and the ledge behind them;
• The refrigerator door handle is one of the dirtiest places in the kitchen. Clean it daily;
• If you're working with meat or fish that needs seasoning, wash your hands before and after handling it with salt, pepper and spices and before and after putting the seasonings' lids back on;
• Don't leave meat, fish, or frozen meals out on the counter to defrost. Factoring in that it will take longer to do so, defrost them in the fridge, on separate dishes or plates;
• Don't overstuff your fridge. Air must be able to circulate;
• Wash your produce. I have a friend who became seriously ill after eating an unwashed apple;
• Wash you hands each time you move between raw ingredients.