As a hostess, there's nothing more mortifying than your guests becoming ill because of the food you serve. With the many dinners and parties you're sure to be hosting this month, be conscientious by making sure your food is prepared with utmost care. In fact, whether you're having a party or simply preparing your kids' baon, maintaining hygienic cooking habits is very important!

Browse through the gallery for four habits to take note of.

(First published as a sidebar in "Should You Still Eat That Egg?" in the "Home 101" section of Good Housekeeping Philippines' May 2002 issue. Adapted for use in Female Network. Photo by Bob Peters via Flickr Creative Commons.)