Do you know what's growing on your kitchen towel?

By Mark Lieber, CNN

Updated 1540 GMT (2340 HKT) June 13, 2018

Undercooked poultry is a main source of food poisoning, as bacteria -- such as campylobacter -- thrive if not killed by the high temperatures of cooking throughout the meat.
Photos: How to avoid food poisoning
Undercooked poultry is a main source of food poisoning, as bacteria -- such as campylobacter -- thrive if not killed by the high temperatures of cooking throughout the meat.
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The best way to avoid illness is to wash your hands and kitchen surfaces regularly, and cook all poultry thoroughly.
Photos: How to avoid food poisoning
The best way to avoid illness is to wash your hands and kitchen surfaces regularly, and cook all poultry thoroughly.
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It's best not to leave tasty meals out too long, because harmful bacteria flourish at room temperature.
Photos: How to avoid food poisoning
It's best not to leave tasty meals out too long, because harmful bacteria flourish at room temperature.
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Chickens in the UK are now vaccinated against salmonella, a dangerous bacteria that can be found in raw poultry.
Photos: How to avoid food poisoning
Chickens in the UK are now vaccinated against salmonella, a dangerous bacteria that can be found in raw poultry.
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Mince meat can also become a breeding ground of bacteria. When the meat is all mixed together, any germs on the surface can spread deep within the products.
Photos: How to avoid food poisoning
Mince meat can also become a breeding ground of bacteria. When the meat is all mixed together, any germs on the surface can spread deep within the products.
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The uncontrollable heat and flames of a barbecue sometimes lead to uncooked burgers; always make sure they are well-done to avoid an upset stomach.
Photos: How to avoid food poisoning
The uncontrollable heat and flames of a barbecue sometimes lead to uncooked burgers; always make sure they are well-done to avoid an upset stomach.
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Steaks, on the other hand, stay contaminated mainly on the outside, so as long as the exterior is cooked, the meat within should be safe to eat.
Photos: How to avoid food poisoning
Steaks, on the other hand, stay contaminated mainly on the outside, so as long as the exterior is cooked, the meat within should be safe to eat.
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Meat isn't the only culprit when it comes to food-related illnesses. Vegetables, fruits and nuts can also carry harmful bacteria.
Photos: How to avoid food poisoning
Meat isn't the only culprit when it comes to food-related illnesses. Vegetables, fruits and nuts can also carry harmful bacteria.
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Germs living on their skins, or rinds, of fruit and vegetables can contaminate the inside when you cut into them. The best practice is to wash your food before preparing it.
Photos: How to avoid food poisoning
Germs living on their skins, or rinds, of fruit and vegetables can contaminate the inside when you cut into them. The best practice is to wash your food before preparing it.
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Grains, such as rice, can also be a cause of food poisoning. Bacillus bacteria are commonly found in paddy fields and can have harmful effects if rice is not cooked or reheated thoroughly.
Photos: How to avoid food poisoning
Grains, such as rice, can also be a cause of food poisoning. Bacillus bacteria are commonly found in paddy fields and can have harmful effects if rice is not cooked or reheated thoroughly.
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One in six people in the U.S. get sick from foodborne illnesses. Pictured, clostridium difficile bacteria.
Photos: How to avoid food poisoning
One in six people in the U.S. get sick from foodborne illnesses. Pictured, clostridium difficile bacteria.
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The "danger zone" is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, as this is the ideal temperature range for bacteria to multiply. Pictured, salmonella growing in a Petri dish.
Photos: How to avoid food poisoning
The "danger zone" is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, as this is the ideal temperature range for bacteria to multiply. Pictured, salmonella growing in a Petri dish.
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