Food Safety When Your Immune System Is Low

Some treatments lower white blood cell counts, which makes food safety more important than usual.

Cook meat, poultry, fish and eggs thoroughly. Skip raw or undercooked items: sushi, runny eggs, rare steak, raw sprouts.

Choose pasteurized dairy and juice. Avoid soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk and unpasteurized honey.

Wash produce well under running water, even items you will peel. Keep separate cutting boards for produce and raw meat.

Pay attention to leftovers: refrigerate within two hours and eat within three days.

Ask your care team whether you need to follow a neutropenic diet, since guidance varies by center.